Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > N > Nipple problems

Nipple problems    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Mammary dysplasia with ectasia of the ducts; Galactorrhea

Definition:

Tenderness or discharge from the nipple portion of the breast (see also intraductal papilloma).

Causes and Risks

Nipple tenderness may be caused by inadequate lubricant secretion by the sebaceous glands of the areolar region of the breast or from irritation of the skin from constant excessive moisture that may occur in breastfeeding women. Bacterial or fungal infection of the nipple may also cause nipple tenderness. Tenderness may also result from local trauma or friction over the area.

A milky-appearing nipple discharge may normally occur during pregnancy, shortly after delivery, or in breastfeeding women. It may also be caused by a variety of endocrine disorders.

Chlorpromazine-type drugs and birth control pills may also cause a milky nipple discharge. Abnormal nipple discharge may be caused by breast cancer (least common cause), intraductal papilloma, and mammary dysplasia with ectasia of the ducts (most common cause).

Ency. home > Disease > N > Nipple problems

[an error occurred while processing this directive]