Chen Yajie
There is an association between
nipple discharge and breast nodules, but not all breast nodules cause nipple discharge, and not all nipple discharge originates from breast nodules. The following is a detailed explanation of the relationship between the two:
1. Correlation between nipple discharge and breast nodules Breast nodules may cause nipple discharge: When the sensitivity of breast tissue to estrogen increases abnormally, it may lead to the formation of breast nodules.
Some breast nodules, especially those that enlarge and stimulate breast tissue to secrete mucus, may cause nipple discharge.
The color and nature of the
discharge may vary according to the nature of the nodule and individual differences, including colorless, yellowish, bloody or yellow-green.
Nipple discharge is not the only symptom of breast nodules: nipple discharge may also be a symptom of other breast diseases, such as breast hyperplasia, mastitis, intraductal papilloma, or breast cancer.
Therefore, the presence of nipple discharge is not directly equivalent to the presence of breast nodules.
2. Differentiation and diagnosis of nipple discharge and breast nodules Observation of the nature of discharge: Physiological discharge usually occurs during lactation or late pregnancy, and the color is mostly colorless or milky white.
Pathological discharge may be related to breast nodules or other breast diseases, and the color may be more diverse.
Breast examination: Through breast palpation, breast ultrasound, breast molybdenum target or breast MRI and other means of examination, we can further understand the situation of breast nodules and the cause of nipple discharge. If necessary, cytological examination or pathological examination of nipple discharge may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition: The doctor will make a comprehensive assessment according to the patient’s medical history, clinical signs, auxiliary examination results and the nature of the discharge. For patients with suspected malignant lesions, further biopsy or surgical resection may be required to determine the nature of the nodule.
3. Recommendations for the treatment of nipple discharge and breast nodules: For patients with benign nodules and asymptomatic, regular observation and follow-up are usually recommended. Surgical resection may be considered if the nodule is enlarged or painful, or if a malignant lesion is suspected.
Treatment of
nipple discharge: For physiological discharge, no special treatment is usually required, and observation and follow-up are enough. For pathological discharge, targeted treatment should be carried out according to the etiology, such as drug treatment, surgical treatment and so on.
To sum up, there is a certain association between nipple discharge and breast nodules, but it is not absolute. When nipple discharge or breast nodules occur, timely medical treatment and comprehensive examination should be carried out to clarify the diagnosis and treatment plan.
