gineco ro mastology Nipple Discharge: Evaluation and Management S. Zervoudis(1,2,3), P. Economides(1), G. Iatrakis(1), D. Polyzos(1), K. Lykeridou(2), I. Navrozoglou(3) (1) Lito Hospital, Dept of Mastology, Athens Greece (2) ATEI University of Athens, Athens, Greece (3) University of Ioannina, Dept of Obst/Gyn, Breast Unit, Ioannina, Greece Corresponding author: Prof. S. Zervoudis Lito Maternity Hospital, Dept. of Mastology 7, Mousson Street, Athens 11524, Greece E-mail:
[email protected] Abstract Nipple discharge is a common symptom carcinoma. Techniques used in nipple dis- women complain of. It is classified as nor- charge evaluation include mammography, mal or abnormal depending on features ultrasound, cytology, duct endoscopy, the such as laterality, cycle variation, quantity, mammary pump, ductography, immuno- color or presentation (induced vs sponta- chemical methods and surgical excision of neous). It can be related to benign condi- the pathological ducts. tions such as intraductal papilloma, duct Keywords: nipple discharge, galactor- ectasia, plasma cell mastitis, galactorrhea rhea, papilloma, duct ectasia, mammary or malignant such as ductal or papillary pump Introduction Local: herpes zoster, tuberculosis, thoracic trauma, and medications are Nipple discharge is a common pre- trauma, previous surgery of the included in the differential diagnosis. senting symptom women complain of. breast or the thoracic cage. The patient who is curious to check for Three out of ten women who present General: fever, headache, myxoede- discharge may cause continuous me- to their doctor for a breast examination ma, visual disturbances. chanical stimulation. In such cases dis- have nipple discharge. Nipple discharge The spontaneous or induced nipple continuation of the stimulation will dis- is 7% to 10% of all breast symptoms(1).