Breast Discharge Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

The primary symptom is a milky discharge from the nipple that is not associated with breast-feeding. The discharge can come from one or both breasts. Other symptoms that can occur along with the discharge include:

• Abnormal or absent menstruation
• Heat or cold intolerance
• Disordered appetite, increase or decrease in weight
• Increased thirst or urination
• Loss of sex drive
• Bloody or foul-smelling discharge
• Headaches
• Acne or abnormal hair growth
• Visual difficulties
• Impotence (men only)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

• A sample of the breast discharge to look at under a microscope
• Blood tests to check hormone levels
• Pregnancy test
• Imaging tests to check for a pituitary gland tumor in the brain:
  • MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
  • CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body, which may not be sensitive enough to pick up subtle findings

If the discharge is not milky or contains blood, then this is not galactorrhea. Other tests must be done to check for breast cancer or other disorders.