I have regular yearly mammograms (since the age of 18, due to an extremely high risk of breast cancer). I have gone through several *scares* over the years with lumps, monitoring, etc. Lately I have been having a feeling of breast tenderness similar to early pregnancy, and my next mammogram isn't until December. While doing a self-exam in the shower Friday, I noticed blood coming from one of the ducts on my left breast. I always have some milky, somewhat sticky fluid in both breasts due to several years of breast feeding (haven't nursed in 7 years, though) One of the ducts exudes BRIGHT, DARK RED blood. Since I have discovered this, it has been coming out on its own (especially after a warm shower). My doctor is going to call me back tomorrow, but has anyone had experience with this? My research indicates it is most likely a papilloma, most likely benign. But the testing (dye injection through the nipples...ouch!) does not sound like any fun either.....TIA for any advice you may be willing to share.

By Karen~admin on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 06:53 pm:

I am sure you've already read this, but:

A key question is whether the discharge is spontaneous, or whether it occurs only when the nipple is squeezed. It is less of a concern if the discharge occurs only when the nipple is squeezed, since most women can elicit discharge if they squeeze their nipple. If the discharge is spontaneous, rather than go to your internist or Ob/Gyn, you should consider going directly to see a breast specialist, meaning a surgeon who specializes in breast diseases

From what I've read, it very well could be an intraductal papilloma, as you said above. If I were you, I would insist on being seen by your doctor tomorrow and referred to a specialist for testing. I'd want to know exactly what I was dealing with, SOONER rather than later.

Good luck!!! Please let us know what happens, OK?

By Heaventree on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 07:59 pm:

I had this with my frist pregnancy, I mentioned it to the doctor and he was not concerned.

Keep us posted.

By Crystal915 on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 10:52 pm:

I had breast surgery (to remove a lump) recently, and ended up with a hematoma that filled with blood. If you've had lumps removed before, it's possible that one of the areas filled with blood. However, I would definitely get into the doctor, because a painful test is worth going through to make sure you are healthy. ((((anon))))

By Anonymous on Saturday, October 21, 2006 - 03:03 pm:

Saw the doctor yesterday...was referred to a breast surgeon. I'll post more when I know something certain. I have not had any lumps removed before, but I did have a biopsy several years ago. BTW, the bleeding is what they call "spontaneous"....I really think it's probably the papilloma, which I guess I can deal with as long as they take it out so it doesn't hurt anymore!

By Dana on Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 11:41 am:

Prayers for you. Thank you for updating, I was thinking about you.