Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 5/8/2006

Question
I am writing on behalf of my 88 year old mother.  She lives in West Virginia which is 500 miles from me in Atlanta.

She called me today concerned about the fact that she had some drainage from one of her breast.   The drainage is not yellow.....not particulariy bloody...and does not have a foul odor.....according to her description it is basically clear to a light pink color.

I had her make an appointment with her PCP tomorrow. She still drives but does not drive in the city.  This is always a problem when they order tests that have to be done in the city of Charleston, WV.

She had colon cancer about 6 years ago and had a resection near the cecum.   No colostomy was necessary.  She has been doing fine.  Some anemia problems from time to time...probably due to poor diet.    Of the 21 samples of tissue removed in the colon surgery....19 were clear and 2 were tested positive.

So....we are always concerned when something like this occurs.  

Can your give me any insight with so little information? I think she had something similiar several years ago and had a small benign tumor removed from this breast.  I wonder what kind of test the doctor will order to check this out?

Any advice or information you could give would be greatly appreciated.   I have tried and tried to get her to relocate here in Atlanta and be near me and my family. We would love caring for her.   BUT....she does not want to leave the home place and I can understand.

Thank you for using your talent and training to help others.

Jerry A Cline  

Answer
If there IS blood in it there is case for concern. An exfoliative cytology test on the fluid itself should be done & a both an ultrasound scan, a x-ray mammogram and a MRI-mammogram of her breasts. Also if possible a thin needle biopsy of any found lesion in any breast. Finally surgery if necessary including a surgical biopsy if necessary. This is the outline of the routine of a case like this. Good luck!