Galactorrhea Overview

Galactorrhea Guide

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We have translated your query to: "nipple discharge - abnormal"


  • Summary
  • Definition
  • Causes
  • Considerations
  • Other Names
  • When to Contact a Medical Professional
  • Home Care
Reviewed By Audra Robertson, MD

Definition

This symptom involves abnormal discharge from the nipple(s)


Causes

  • breast abscess (most common in lactating women)
  • trauma can cause discharge from both breasts
  • drugs such as cimetidine, methyldopa, metoclopramide, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, reserpine, tricyclic antidepressants, or verapamil
  • prolactinoma (prolactin-secreting tumor in the brain)
  • intraductal papilloma (a small noncancerous growth in the duct of the breast)
  • ductal ectasia (a widening of the milk ducts)


Keep reading...

Encyclopedia: Galactorrhea

Wikipedia.orgWIKIPEDIA.ORG

Galactorrhea or galactorrhoea is the spontaneous flow of milk from the breast, unassociated with childbirth or nursing. Contemporary Maternal-Newborn Nursing Care defines galactorrhea as "nipple discharge." It can be due to dysregulation of certain hormones or local causes such as excessive nipple stimulation. Lactation requires the presence of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, and the evaluation of galactorrhea includes eliciting a history for various medications or foods and for behavioral causes...

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