Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 5/5/2011

Question
i have one breast that is leaking a clear, slightly milky, sticky fluid.  my doctor is testing my thyroid and pituitary gland (spell?)  he has also set up an apt for me to have a mammogram done. (not sure when that is going to happen yet) I have a small lump in that breast that has been there for some years now. anyway my question is, is it possible for a lump that has  been there for sometime to become cancerous?  or could it be a pituitary issue?? I dont know much about breast cancer stuff, and am wondering will a mammogram identify all forms of breast cancers or is there another test of some sort I should have done??

Answer
This kind of discharge usually has nothing to do with cancer but in order to be on the safe side it should still be checked. Cancer can appear at any time and anywhere. But if your lump has not changed at all during several years it is less likely to be cancerous. Mammography is useful in many cases but not in all. It can be complemented with 1. ultrasound scans, 2. MRI scans, 3. galactography (= mammography with x-ray contrast injected in the discharging milk duct(s)), 4. exfoliative cytology of the discharge and 5. needle biopsies of any lesions felt or seen. Also thermograms can be made but I usually do not recommend them. pituitary causes should be discussed with an endocrinologist since they are outside my area of expertise here. However you should be checked by an experienced breast surgeon at least. Good luck!


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