Patient's question:
Doctor: Hello, there is discharge from my nipple, but it's not liquid—it's some small white particles. Is this a sign of any illness? Is it related to my previous pregnancy and having an abortion?Doctor's answer:
During non-pregnancy and non-lactation periods, fluid leakage from the nipple is referred to as nipple discharge. Nipple discharge is one of the common symptoms of breast diseases. Statistics show that 3% to 14% of patients seeking medical attention primarily for nipple discharge have breast diseases, with its incidence rate being second only to breast lumps and breast pain. If the nipple discharge is from a single nipple, it is often associated with the following breast conditions:1. Duct ectasia
2. Intraductal papilloma
3. Breast cystic hyperplasia
4. Breast cancer.
In summary, nipple discharge is an important breast symptom, with 10% to 15% of cases potentially being breast cancer. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly for symptoms and undergo a smear cytology examination of the discharge. Near-infrared breast scanning has a positive diagnostic rate of 80% to 95% for ductal lesions in the areola area. Ultrasound and mammography also have comparable accuracy. Selective lesion ductography is a common examination method for nipple discharge and holds significant value for differentiating between benign and malignant conditions. It can also help physicians accurately locate the surgical excision range.