It's important to understand that fluid discharge from the nipple, regardless of gender, can be a sign of several different things, some more serious than others. Let's explore the potential causes and when it's essential to seek medical advice.
Potential Causes:
- Normal Variation: In some men, particularly those with larger breasts, a small amount of clear or milky fluid discharge can be normal. This is often due to the presence of active breast tissue, which can respond to hormonal fluctuations.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, like some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can cause breast enlargement and fluid discharge as a side effect.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) can disrupt hormone balance and lead to breast enlargement and fluid discharge.
- Infection: Inflammation of the breast tissue (mastitis) can cause pain, redness, and discharge. This is more common in women who are breastfeeding, but it can occur in men as well.
- Benign Breast Conditions: Fibrocystic breast disease, a common condition in women, can also occur in men and cause fluid discharge, breast tenderness, and lumps.
- Cancer: While rare, breast cancer in men can cause nipple discharge, particularly if the discharge is bloody or contains blood.
When to See a Doctor:
It's crucial to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Discharge accompanied by pain, redness, or swelling
- Discharge that is bloody, green, or foul-smelling
- Discharge that occurs frequently or in large amounts
- Discharge that is accompanied by a lump in the breast
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, ask about your medical history, and may order tests like a mammogram or ultrasound to determine the cause of your discharge.
Resources:
For more information on breast health, consult the National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/
