When to see a doctor

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Nipple discharge is rarely a sign of breast cancer. But it might be a sign of a condition that needs treatment.

If you still have menstrual periods and your nipple discharge doesn't clear up on its own after your next menstrual cycle, make an appointment with your healthcare professional.

If you're past menopause and you have nipple discharge that happens on its own, is clear or bloody and from a single duct in one breast only, see your healthcare professional right away.

In the meantime, don't massage your nipples or handle your breasts, even to check for discharge. Handling your nipples or friction from clothing can cause ongoing discharge.

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Jan. 20, 2024

See also

  2. Amenorrhea
  3. Breast cancer
  4. breast cancer chemoprevention: drugs that reduce risk
  5. Breast Cancer Education Tool
  6. breast cancer staging
  7. Common questions about breast cancer treatment
  8. Dragon Boats and Breast Cancer
  9. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
  10. Fibrocystic breasts
  11. Galactorrhea
  12. Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
  13. genetic testing for breast cancer: psychological and social impact
  14. HER2-positive breast cancer: What is it?
  15. HIL Article English
  16. Infographic: Breast Cancer Risk
  17. Male breast cancer
  18. Mammary duct ectasia
  19. Paget's disease of the breast
  20. Pink Sisters
  21. The Long Race Beating Cancer
  22. Weight Loss After Breast Cancer
  23. What is breast cancer? An expert explains