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Case-based MCQ | #Case_369 | #answer
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🔎 Explanation
Nipple discharge is always an abnormal finding except in late pregnancy or the postpartum period. Based on characteristics, there are seven types of nipple discharge:
1. Milky: white discharge; sometimes fat globules are seen under microscopy
2. Multicolored gummous: sticky discharge
3. Purulent: pus with white cells seen under microscopy
4. Watery: colorless discharge
5. Serous: faintly yellow, thin discharge
6. Serosanguineous: thin, clear discharge with pink tint, RBCs seen under microscopy
7. Bloody (sanguinous): pure blood
Conditions associated with each type of discharge are as follows:
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Milky Discharge
Galactorrhea,or nonpuerperal lactation, usually results from multiple duct discharge from both breasts. The most common cause of nonpuerperal lactation is hyperprolactinemia associated with pituitary adenomas, medications or other causes resulting in increased production of prolactin (e.g. primary hypothyroidism).In many women,galactorrhea can be idiopathic.
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Multicolored and Sticky Discharge
Duct ectasia or comedomastitis is the most common cause of a multicolored, sticky discharge that is commonly bilateral and usually in perimenopausal woman.It begins as a dilation of the terminal ducts with an irritating lipid fluid collection and producing an inflammatory reaction resulting in discharge from the nipple.
Duct ectasia is most frequently associated with pain,itching, and swelling in the nipple. Palpation of the areola can often reveal a tubular mass, reflecting the dilated ducts. Often a history of nipple manipulation is elicited. If the disease progresses, a mass can develop (plasma cell mastitis) that can mimic cancer. Surgery is indicated only if a mass forms or the discharge changes to serosanguinous or bloody.
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Purulent Discharge
In patients with acute puerperal mastitis, chronic lactation mastitis,central breast abscesses,or plasma cell mastitis, nipple discharge is purulent and usually unilateral. Breast cultures and smears may reveal a causative organism.
Abscess formation usually requires incision and drainage if appropriate antibiotics and warm compreses are not effective. It is important to remove a portion of an abscess wall for histologic study to exclude an underlying cancer associated with secondary necrosis and infection.
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Watery, serous, serosanguinous, and bloody Discharges
Intraductal papillomas are the most common cause of these discharges, but fibrocystic disease, advanced duct ectasia, breast cancer, and vascular engorgement in near-term pregnancy can also be the causes.
In patients over 50, malignancy becomes increasingly common, especially if the discharge is unilateral and associated with a mass. Surgical exploration is mandatory in this group of patients with this type of discharge,
even if cytologic and mammographic findings are negative.
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NOTE - surgical referral is required if the nipple discharge is spontaneous and unilateral, or the patient is older than 60 years.
⚠ (Option B) Paget disease of the breast most commonly presents with a scaly, raw, vesicular, or ulcerated lesion that begins on the nipples and then spreads to the areola. Nipple discharge, if present at all, tends to be bloody rather than clear.
⚠ (Option C) Ductal ectasia presents with multicolored and sticky discharge. Toothpaste like discharge is a classic description of discharge associated with duct ectasia.
⚠ (Option D) With unilateral clear discharge in this woman,the most likely cause is a benign Intraductal papilloma. Although advanced duct ectasia and intraductal carcinoma are among other etiologies, they are less likely to be the cause compared with intraductal papilloma.
⚠ (Option E) Fibroadenoma does not cause nipple discharge.