Causes of breastmilk discharge

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Milky discharge through the nipple, called
galactorrhoea, is normal during and within two years of
pregnancy. Milky discharge occurring outside pregnancy
can be caused by an imbalance of the hormone
prolactin, which controls milk production. A small gland
in the brain, called the pituitary gland, produces
prolactin. Tumours arising in this gland may cause
excessive amounts of prolactin to be released into the
bloodstream, thus stimulating the breast tissue to
release a milky discharge. A brain scan may be required
to look for tumours in the pituitary gland. Pituitary
tumours are usually benign and are easily treated with
drugs or through surgery. If prolactin levels are within
normal limits, the patient can be reassured that the
discharge is likely to improve without further
intervention.
Possible causes of nipple discharge include:
A. Abscess
B. Breast cancer
C. Breast infection
D. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
E. Excessive breast stimulation
F. Fibroadenoma
G. Fibrocystic breasts
H. Galactorrhea
I. Hormone imbalance
J. Injury or trauma to the breast
K. Intraductal papilloma
L. Mammary duct ectasia
M. Medication use
N. Menstrual cycle hormone changes
O. Paget's disease of the breast
P. Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Q. Prolactinoma

Causes of nipple discharge
Inflammation e.g. periductal mastitis.

Pain and nipple inversion are common
It is more common in smokers.

It can be improved through stopping smoking and
taking antibiotics.

Surgery may be required if persistent
Duct ectasia: dilation of the nipple duct
Intraductal papilloma: Benign tumour of the nipple
duct
Usually causes a single-duct blood-stained
discharge
Can be treated by surgical removal of the
papilloma
Breast cancer
Non-invasive (DCIS) type may cause blood-stained
nipple discharge. This type of cancer does not
usually spread. Mastectomy (with/without
immediate reconstruction) is usually required as it
is close to the nipple. Surgical treatment can cure
98% of cases.