Breast Cancer/nipple discharge

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/27/2009


Question
QUESTION: i have had brown/bloody nipple discharge from my left breast.  It would appear to me, although I don't know for sure, that it is coming from 2 ducts.  I have been to the hospital and a sample of the fluid shows atypical cells.  I am now due to have all the ducts removed but don't feel I know enough knowledge to make a decision as to whether to proceed.  What else could cause the atypical cells?  Do I really need all the ducts removed?  I have tried to get an appointment with the surgeon to ask these questions but can't until the day of the op, which is less than satisfactory.

Any help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: This MUST be investigated as it may well be a cancer! All I can tell you is that you should follow the advice of your surgeon! Good luck!


I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: From everything i was told at the hospital (by the radiologist, nurse pratctitioner and doctor i saw) and the research i have done, it may well not be cancer.  All I want is for someone to tell me what else could cause the atypical cells.  i have cancelled the surgery and am trying to get an appointment with the surgeon so i can at least make an informed decision. do you know what else may cause the atrypical cells?  the dicharge has now stopped and surgery seems to be the last option, surely not the first.

Answer
"Atypical cells" are by definition at least on the way of becoming cancer cells! So they are a warning sign of a tumor development. To be frank though I understand that you want to make an informed decision I still think your decision was unwise. Yes it may not be a cancer - yet - but it is anyway on its way to become one and in this situation it is NOT wise to consider the best possibility but the worst! Please reconsider!


I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128

Breast Cancer

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.