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Breast Health - leaking fluid
Dear Anai,
My breasts were slightly swollen and slightly tender, but I was having a very slight discharge of colostrum. I did take two pregnancy tests at home, but they were negative. I do have a 14 month baby, but I did not breast feed, and my breasts dried up early on.
My question is if pregnancy is not causing the slight leaking what would be some causes of the leaking? Could it be hormonal or possibly
breast cancer. My breasts are still slightly swollen and slightly tender with a little bit of that colostrum coming out every now and then.
Thank you for your time,
SZ, Tx
Dear SZ,
For women who have breast fed previously, there may still be some colostrum leaking out even months after they have discontinued breast feeding. Pregnant women typically do not see any colostrom until the last trimester.
You may be thinking at this point "but I've never been pregnant or breast fed prior to this leaking". This leaking can occur at any time, pregnant or not, history of breast feeding or not.
During your normal monthly breast self exams, you will see some discharge when you squeeze the nipple. If you start seeing any discharge that occurs without this exam, and have the following, please consult your doctor right away:
- Leaking without squeezing
- Leaking that occurs often (for those who are not currently breast feeding)
- Leaking from one nipple more than the other, or just that one alone.
- If the discharge contains any tint of pink or red indicating blood.
- If it is clear or solid white in colour
- If it appears like egg whites
There may be another cause for those women who see leaking from both nipples. These women have what is known as "galactorrhea". They have a harmless, tiny tumor in the brain that triggers a response for more milk producing hormones called prolactin. This tumor (or even tumors) do not require surgery to remove.
Always discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor. Tell him or her your symptoms, ask for a breast exam or mammogram if necessary. Let your doctor know if you are on any medications prescribed by other physicians. Some medications cause this, so read the pharmacy labels carefully.
© Copyright 1999 Anai Rhoads.
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