Concerns - Breast Cancer

Nipple Discharge

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Nipple discharge, the secretion of fluid from the nipple, can be a concerning symptom for many individuals. While it is often benign and not indicative of a serious underlying condition, it can also be a sign of breast cancer or other breast-related issues. Understanding the causes, potential implications, and appropriate management of nipple discharge is essential for effective healthcare, and the Birmingham Breast Group is committed to providing comprehensive care in this regard.

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About This Concern

Nipple discharge can vary in colour, consistency, and volume, ranging from clear or milky to bloody or greenish. It may occur spontaneously or only when the nipple is squeezed or manipulated. Common causes of nipple discharge include hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain medications. In many cases, nipple discharge is benign and resolves on its own without medical intervention.

However, nipple discharge can also be a symptom of underlying breast conditions, including intraductal papillomas, ductal ectasia, mastitis, or, in rare cases, breast cancer. Intraductal papillomas are noncancerous growths that develop within the milk ducts and can cause nipple discharge, often bloody or clear. Ductal ectasia is a condition in which the milk ducts become blocked or widened, leading to inflammation and discharge, typically greenish or blackish in colour. Mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, can also cause nipple discharge, along with redness, swelling, and pain.

While the majority of nipple discharge cases are benign, it is essential to evaluate any persistent or concerning discharge to rule out underlying breast cancer. In some instances, nipple discharge may be the only symptom of early-stage breast cancer, particularly when accompanied by other risk factors such as a family history of the disease or abnormal imaging findings.

At the Birmingham Breast Group, a multidisciplinary approach is taken to evaluate and manage nipple discharge concerns. The process typically begins with a thorough clinical assessment, including a detailed medical history and physical examination. Diagnostic imaging studies such as mammography, ultrasound, and / or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed to evaluate the breast tissue and identify any underlying abnormalities.

If further evaluation is warranted, additional tests such as breast biopsy or nipple aspiration may be recommended to obtain tissue samples for laboratory analysis. These tests can help determine the cause of the nipple discharge and rule out any underlying malignancy.

The approach to treating nipple discharge depends on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms. In cases where the discharge is benign and self-limiting, no specific treatment may be necessary, and the condition may resolve on its own over time. However, if the discharge is persistent, bothersome, or associated with other concerning symptoms, further intervention may be required.

Treatment options for nipple discharge may include medications to alleviate inflammation or infection, surgical excision of intraductal papillomas or other benign growths, or, in rare cases, mastectomy for more severe or recurrent conditions. The decision regarding the most appropriate treatment approach is made in collaboration with you, taking into account your individual preferences, medical history, and overall health goals.

In conclusion, nipple discharge can be a distressing symptom that warrants thorough evaluation to rule out underlying breast conditions, including breast cancer. While the majority of cases are benign and resolve on their own, it is essential to seek medical attention from the experts at Birmingham Breast Group for persistent or concerning nipple discharge. BBG is dedicated to providing comprehensive care if you are experiencing nipple discharge concerns, utilising a multidisciplinary approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

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Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

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Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

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Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
View More Reviews

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