A liquid discharge from the breast can take many forms. It may be white, bloody, or even a mixture of colors. A yellow or white sticky liquid from the nipple may often be present at the end of a woman's period. It may occur in both breasts. This is usually found when the breasts are squeezed and is caused by repeated stimulation from sex, pregnancy, or drug use. If your breast exam is otherwise normal, with no masses or pain, no treatment is necessary.

Cancer may exist when the breast discharge is bloody or very watery. In women over 50, cancer is the main cause for this type of discharge. In all women this is serious and needs to be examined. The fluid will be tested for abnormal cells. A careful breast exam as well as a mammogram will be done. If a problem is found, the area involved may be sampled with a needle or with a larger sample called a biopsy. Treatment will depend on the findings of these tests.

A multicolored discharge, especially with an itchy or burning feeling of the breast is common in women nearing menopause. As long as no mass is felt and the mammogram is normal, the affected breast is easily treated with careful regular cleaning of the breast with special soaps.

Women are becoming more aware of the importance of the monthly breast exam. As a result, problems like breast discharge, can be detected as well as easily evaluated and treated.

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