Bloody discharge from the nipples is the appearance of red or brownish discharge from the breast, which is more often unilateral. The symptom is accompanied by pain in the chest on the side of the lesion, ulceration of the areolar region. Bloody discharge is observed after trauma to the mammary glands, with benign and malignant neoplasms. To identify the cause, ultrasound of the mammary glands, mammography, ductography, tissue biopsy with cytomorphological analysis of the material are performed. With complaints about the release of blood from the chest, the leading is the therapy of the underlying disease.
The appearance of bright red droplets of blood is typical for cracked nipples in nursing mothers. Trauma occurs when the child is not properly attached to the breast or when the skin of the areola is treated with aggressive disinfectants. Bloody discharge is more often observed immediately after feeding. With the formation of deep cracks, blood flows out even between feedings. The symptom is combined with severe pain, due to which the woman is forced to stop breastfeeding. A bloody discharge is also a sign of inflammation of the nipple - telitis.
With severe bruising of the chest, internal ruptures of the glandular tissue occur, leading to bleeding from the nipples. In case of injuries, a few milliliters of red or brown discharge flows out of the damaged mammary gland. The amount of discharge increases with compression of the chest. Bleeding is combined with swelling of the mammary gland and arching pains, bruises and abrasions are found on the skin. A woman with these symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as there is a risk of infection of the tissues and the development of purulent mastitis.
This benign tumor is the most common cause of complaints of bloody discharge. For intraductal papilloma, the periodic appearance of a few drops of ichor or blood on the nipple is typical. Patients may notice brown spots on the bra. With pressure on the areola area, the discharge intensifies, while the patient can feel single or multiple nodules that are painful on palpation. The symptom is accompanied by moderate chest pains. In the case of a bacterial infection, a purulent discharge containing bloody inclusions flows out of the nipple.
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Bloody discharge from the nipples appears with ulceration or decay of adenocarcinoma, as well as damage to small vessels due to germination of the tumor node. At the initial stages of the oncological process, a small amount of bloody fluid flows out of the nipple, there is no pain in the chest, so many women do not go to the doctor. With the growth of the tumor, blood is released from the affected breast, pain appears and grows. Possible local retraction of the skin. Bloody discharge combined with erosive changes in the nipple and areola are typical of Paget's cancer.
Examination of patients with complaints of bloody discharge from the mammary glands is carried out by a specialist mammologist. Diagnostic search is aimed at visualizing the structure of the mammary glands, early detection of various neoplasms or other pathological changes, in which bleeding from the nipples is possible. The following diagnostic methods are considered the most valuable:
In case of ulceration in the area of the areola or nipples, an imprint smear is taken for further cytological examination. Bloody discharge from the glands is necessarily studied for cellular composition, to confirm the presence of blood in them, a guaiac test is performed. Among laboratory methods, the analysis for a specific oncomarker CA 15-3 has the greatest information content. In general and biochemical blood tests, signs of an inflammatory or neoplastic disease are revealed.
Breast self-examination
Self-medication with bloody discharge from the nipples is unacceptable, since it can lead to the transition of the process to an advanced stage, which significantly worsens the prognosis for recovery. A woman needs to urgently contact a specialist to verify the diagnosis and select the optimal treatment tactics. Until the etiological factor is established, the appointment of any drugs is prohibited. During this period, it is desirable for the patient to refuse laser hair removal, tanning and visiting the solarium, invasive cosmetic procedures.
Medical tactics depend on the cause of the disorder. For lactating women with nipple cracks, it is enough to observe hygiene, regularly lubricate the areola with panthenol, softening ointments. Silicone nipple covers are effective in use, reducing trauma during feeding. With bruises of the mammary gland, special dressings are made that support the chest in an elevated position, physiotherapy methods are used. For the treatment of diseases that caused spotting, the following groups of pharmaceuticals are used:
Large hematomas formed after bruising of the mammary gland are an indication for puncture and evacuation of bloody contents. With benign papillomas, an economical sectoral resection of the altered area is performed, due to which the breast retains its size and shape. Malignant neoplasms involving the areolar region with the nipple require a radical mastectomy followed by mammoplasty to eliminate the cosmetic defect. Surgery is often combined with radiation therapy.