Understanding Non-Pregnancy Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge can occur in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding and is often not a cause for concern. However, it can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as fibrocystic breast changes, galactorrhea, infection (mastitis), mammary duct ectasia, intraductal papillomas, or even breast cancer. It is important to seek medical attention if the discharge is spontaneous, bloody, accompanied by a lump or mass, or if there are other concerning symptoms. Diagnosis may involve blood tests, biopsy, cytology, ultrasound, mammogram, or ductogram to determine the cause of the discharge.