About Nipple Discharge
Key Highlights
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Non-invasive initial evaluation focused on diagnosis rather than treatment.Performed by a specialist trained in systemic disease evaluation.Comprehensive assessment that considers hormonal, pharmacological, and systemic causes.Critical first step in ruling out serious underlying conditions like breast cancer.Guides the need for and type of further specialized testing or referral.
Who is this surgery for?
- Spontaneous, persistent discharge from one or both nipples.
- Bloody, clear, or milky discharge in a non-pregnant, non-lactating individual.
- Discharge associated with a breast lump, pain, or skin changes.
- New onset of discharge, especially in individuals over age 40.
- Discharge that occurs without squeezing or manipulation of the breast.
- To evaluate for potential causes like hyperprolactinemia, thyroid disorders, or medication side effects.
How to prepare
- Be prepared to provide a detailed personal and family medical history.
- Note and describe the characteristics of the discharge (color, consistency, which breast).
- Make a list of all current medications, including herbs and supplements.
- Wear clothing that allows easy access for a clinical breast examination.
- Avoid squeezing or stimulating the nipple immediately before the appointment.
- Be ready to discuss menstrual history, pregnancy status, and any hormonal therapies.
Risks & possible complications
- The evaluation itself is low-risk, involving primarily history-taking and physical exam.
- Potential anxiety or stress while awaiting a diagnosis or further test results.
- If diagnostic tests (like imaging) are ordered, they carry minimal risks (e.g., rare radiation exposure from mammogram).
- Risk of a false sense of security if a benign cause is assumed without appropriate investigation.
- Potential for missed diagnosis if the evaluation is incomplete or findings are misinterpreted.
Recovery & hospital stay
- No physical recovery is needed from the initial clinical evaluation.
- Recovery depends entirely on the underlying cause identified.
- If the cause is benign (e.g., duct ectasia), simple monitoring may be advised.
- If medication or a hormonal issue is the cause, recovery involves treating that condition.
- If a biopsy or surgical referral is made, recovery will follow those specific procedures.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the condition and response to any initiated treatment.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient consultation)
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Expected recovery time: 0 days (for the initial consultation)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering nipple discharge in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for nipple discharge in India include Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform nipple discharge. MediFyr helps you compare internal medicine specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for nipple discharge compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Nipple Discharge in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing nipple discharge.
Karan Chopra, a 58-year-old accountant, is...
Karan Chopra, a 58-year-old accountant, is a quiet man who has always prioritized his family's health over his own. For three months, he noticed a persistent, clear discharge from his right nipple, which he initially dismissed as a minor skin irritation. He felt deep shame and confusion, believing this was a 'woman's issue.' His wife finally convinced him to see his primary care physician after he started experiencing mild, intermittent breast tenderness. The doctor, sensing Karan's discomfort, was gentle and reassuring. He explained that while less common, nipple discharge in men is medically significant and requires investigation. He recommended a comprehensive evaluation, including blood tests for prolactin and imaging. Karan underwent a mammogram and ultrasound, feeling profoundly out of place in the imaging center. The tests revealed gynecomastia (benign breast tissue growth) and a slightly elevated prolactin level, likely due to a medication he was taking for his blood pressure. After switching medications, the discharge resolved within weeks. Karan's emotional journey moved from silent embarrassment and fear of cancer to immense relief and a lesson in overcoming gendered health stigma. He now advocates for regular check-ups with his sons.
Internal Medicine Specialists for Nipple Discharge
Explore experienced internal medicine specialists who regularly perform nipple discharge and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 5 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 24 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 6 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 20 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 13 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 16 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 34 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- 13 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 34 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar