Nipple discharge

A discharge of fluid from one or both nipples when you are not pregnant or breast-feeding might signal a medical problem, or might mean nothing at all.

Two types of nipple discharge:

• Nonspontaneous discharge occurs only when you press on your nipple
  • Discharge can be clear, cloudy, white, yellow, green, or brown
  • Common in many women
  • Does not usually indicate a problem
• Spontaneous discharge occurs without pressing on your nipple
  • May be a concern, except during pregnancy or breast-feeding
  • May indicate a medical problem, including certain types of cancer

Call your doctor if you have spontaneous nipple discharge from one or both breasts or if the discharge that looks like blood.