Bloody nipple discharge and lump

Hello 3 weeks ago I noticed some bloody discharge from my left nipple and a lump in the same side, it's a cm long, starts near my nipple. I've got an appointment for the breast clinic on Monday. My nipples are inverted but they always have been so nothing new to me.

But I've now got bloody discharge from my right nipple too. I had read up when it was just the right one about what else it could be and thought intraductal papilloma could fit. But now that my other one is already having bloody discharge I'm concerned as to what's causing it. 

I'm 35F, no kids (I don't want them). My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s. I know hormones can be a cause but I'm 35, I've got the mirena coil which was only put in 3 years ago so not due to be changed for years. Im glad my appointment is only in a few days but just having a freak out because my other nipple which has been fine is now also effected.

Has/is anyone in a similar situation. What was the cause? Words of advice?

  • Hello Xt1n, 

    I just wanted to wish you the best of luck for your breast clinic appointment tomorrow. I hope that it all goes well for you and that you get some answers very soon. You did the right thing in flagging this bloody nipple discharge and lump and it's good that things are moving fast and that you will be seen soon. It must be a bit stressful for you to notice this discharge on both nipples. It's tempting to look things up online but as you know it is hard to find out for sure what it could be and only going through the necessary tests will give you some clarity. Trying to find answers online will only make you feel more worried and can bring up all the worst case scenarios.

    I am so sorry your aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age and it's normal to worry but what is happening to you might be totally unrelated to what your aunt went through. Luckily your appointment is tomorrow and make sure when you see them that you mention that your other nipple which was fine when you were referred is now also affected. 

    To prepare yourself ahead of tomorrow, I thought I would share with you our information on what happens at a breast clinic appointment and I hope that it will reassure you and help you feel ready for your appointment. It might take a little while to get answers and while you are waiting have a look at our helpful tips to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    Other members of our community have been in a similar place before and experienced similar symptoms and I hope they will come and say hello and share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that it all turns out to be nothing concerning.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Update for anyone who finds this post later.

    I had my breast clinic appointment, both breasts were ultrasounded, nothing showed in the right one, left had some white areas within the lump. So also had mammogram, they did both breasts. The right still showed nothing. The left showed calcification in the area of the lump. 

    So I had biopsies taken. Now I'm not good with needles or blood so I prewarned them that I'm likely to pass out. Fortunately they were able to get 3 biopsies from the area with the calcification. After they did that is when I felt faint etc and did pass out. It was a first for them, they've had others say they aren't good with needles etc, but im the first to actually pass out. Fortunately just before it happened I can tell so I told them "I'm about to pass out". They were very lovely, I came round, they made sure to adjust the bed to help etc, got me sugary coffee and biscuits and didn't rush me to leave etc.

    They then went over what they had said before I had passed out to make sure I knew it all. Care for the biopsy site, how many samples were taken, yhat calcifications can be benign etc. She did say that she had Xrayd they samples and none of them got one of the we calcifications but she was in the right area as was guided by the ultrasound so hope is that the biopsy will still give a result of what the cause of the calcification is.

    The biopsy did make my bloody nipple discharge worse for a few minutes afterwards which made them feel confident that the calcification is linked to the discharge on that breast. I have a follow up meeting to get the results next Thursday, they said because there wasnt a calcification in a biopsy theres a chance more will need to be taken. I'll update again regardless of the outcome as I know it can be helpful for people looking in the future.