RoseRedTattoo
04-02-2004, 09:51 AM
My 13yr old daughter has had a brownish coloured discharge leaking from her left areola (not from the nipple itself) for the last 3 weeks. There is no obvious mark or wound that the discharge is coming from. There is no lump, and it is not painful.
She has had a swab taken, blood test (for prolactin level) and an ultrasound, but doctors still don't know what it is. We have been referred to a breast specialist ... but I'm not sure how long before we get to see the specialist.
Does anybody have any ideas/been in similar situation? Surely 13 is too young for cancer? My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, so I'm a bit worried :(
She has had a swab taken, blood test (for prolactin level) and an ultrasound, but doctors still don't know what it is. We have been referred to a breast specialist ... but I'm not sure how long before we get to see the specialist.
Does anybody have any ideas/been in similar situation? Surely 13 is too young for cancer? My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, so I'm a bit worried :(
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RoseRedTattoo
04-05-2004, 07:04 AM
So I guess I've got everybody stumped with this one?
csoar2004
04-05-2004, 10:51 AM
So I guess I've got everybody stumped with this one?Well, you have me stumped (not that difficult to do, lol). I'm wondering if your daughter recently started menstruating, because this type of thing is usually associated with hormones (hence the prolactin test). By doing a google search, I found the following info: Only 10% of cases of nipple discharge are due to papilloma or cancer. Problems or disorders of the nipple are common and can be worrying, but changes are rarely due to cancer. If discharge is new and appears on one side only this needs a clinical examination and a mammogram. The most common cause is duct ectasia, but cancer needs to be excluded.
...A profuse, spontaneous, watery or bloodstained discharge from nipple or surrounding areola: This needs investigation, usually with microscopic examination (cytology) of the discharge and a mammogram. This may indicate a benign duct papilloma (a growth similar to a wart) or occasionally cancer. The majority of women with nipple discharge do not have breast cancer.
Mammary duct ectasia is a benign lesion of the breast that consists of dilation of the mammary ducts, periductal fibrosis, and inflammation. This entity has been described in infants, prepubertal boys and girls, as well as adult men and women. The patient presents with nipple discharge, which may be bloody in nature. In children and adolescents, the lesion is usually unilateral. Infectious and inflammatory causes have been implicated in the etiology of this finding. Ultrasonographic findings are usually suggestive, showing dilated mammary ducts radially located around the nipple. The process is usually self-limited; therefore, surgery is not recommended if the diagnosis is certain (Kitahara, 2002). Here's a link that may help: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=21275791
If I were you, given your familial history of breast cancer, I'd get on the phone to doctor and find out a) when the appointment with specialist is and b) what ultrasound results show (for instance, though no lumps may have been found, were the mammary ducts dilated near the nipple as in ductal ectasia?) and c) what were the results of the swab test, and d) should the consult be with a breast surgeon/oncologist (because of history of breast cancer in direct female line)?
Mammary duct ectasia, from my google findings, is grossly underdiagnosed. While I'm not saying that's what your daugher has, if she were my daughter, I'd be morphed into guard/advocate momma-from-doctor's-worst-nightmare and demanding answers. :eek: :D
But that's me. :jester: :D Hope this helps.
best wishes,
charli
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush Plan for life and perky. Veddy, veddy perky :D
...A profuse, spontaneous, watery or bloodstained discharge from nipple or surrounding areola: This needs investigation, usually with microscopic examination (cytology) of the discharge and a mammogram. This may indicate a benign duct papilloma (a growth similar to a wart) or occasionally cancer. The majority of women with nipple discharge do not have breast cancer.
Mammary duct ectasia is a benign lesion of the breast that consists of dilation of the mammary ducts, periductal fibrosis, and inflammation. This entity has been described in infants, prepubertal boys and girls, as well as adult men and women. The patient presents with nipple discharge, which may be bloody in nature. In children and adolescents, the lesion is usually unilateral. Infectious and inflammatory causes have been implicated in the etiology of this finding. Ultrasonographic findings are usually suggestive, showing dilated mammary ducts radially located around the nipple. The process is usually self-limited; therefore, surgery is not recommended if the diagnosis is certain (Kitahara, 2002). Here's a link that may help: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=21275791
If I were you, given your familial history of breast cancer, I'd get on the phone to doctor and find out a) when the appointment with specialist is and b) what ultrasound results show (for instance, though no lumps may have been found, were the mammary ducts dilated near the nipple as in ductal ectasia?) and c) what were the results of the swab test, and d) should the consult be with a breast surgeon/oncologist (because of history of breast cancer in direct female line)?
Mammary duct ectasia, from my google findings, is grossly underdiagnosed. While I'm not saying that's what your daugher has, if she were my daughter, I'd be morphed into guard/advocate momma-from-doctor's-worst-nightmare and demanding answers. :eek: :D
But that's me. :jester: :D Hope this helps.
best wishes,
charli
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush Plan for life and perky. Veddy, veddy perky :D
RoseRedTattoo
04-09-2004, 08:53 AM
Thanks Charli, it was good to get a reply.
I have already started the guard/advocate momma-from-doctor's-worst-nightmare thing. It might be absolutely nothing .... but when it comes to your kids, you don't want to rest until you're certain that everything is ok.
The discharge just started for no apparent reason. My daughter has been getting her period for a bit over a year. The doctor had originally thought it might be hormonal ... but was then thrown out when it wasn't from the nipple itself. Prolactin levels were fine. Swab of the discharge came back clear. Ultrasound did show some cysts. The discharge is from left nipple only, and can leak spontaneously (without squeezing it or anything).
I will definitely look into the mammary duct ectasia thing. Thanks so much for your thoughts. :)
I have already started the guard/advocate momma-from-doctor's-worst-nightmare thing. It might be absolutely nothing .... but when it comes to your kids, you don't want to rest until you're certain that everything is ok.
The discharge just started for no apparent reason. My daughter has been getting her period for a bit over a year. The doctor had originally thought it might be hormonal ... but was then thrown out when it wasn't from the nipple itself. Prolactin levels were fine. Swab of the discharge came back clear. Ultrasound did show some cysts. The discharge is from left nipple only, and can leak spontaneously (without squeezing it or anything).
I will definitely look into the mammary duct ectasia thing. Thanks so much for your thoughts. :)
RoseRedTattoo
04-19-2004, 11:09 PM
Have just found out it's going to be 2 months before we can see the specialist :(
Unbelievable!! The health system is the one place where you shouldn't have to wait so long
Unbelievable!! The health system is the one place where you shouldn't have to wait so long
csoar2004
04-20-2004, 10:55 AM
Have just found out it's going to be 2 months before we can see the specialist :(
Unbelievable!! The health system is the one place where you shouldn't have to wait so long :eek: oy! That seems excessively long. Does your GP know this? They can often get the specialist to see you sooner than you can.
Unbelievable!! The health system is the one place where you shouldn't have to wait so long :eek: oy! That seems excessively long. Does your GP know this? They can often get the specialist to see you sooner than you can.
RoseRedTattoo
04-20-2004, 11:13 PM
I might have to see if my GP can do something.
I mean, I keep telling myself that it can't be anything bad (she's too young) ... but it still scares me.
I saw an interview with Anastacia (the singer) last night, and she is so honest and open about her breast cancer. But one of the things she said was that it seems to environmental now, and that women should get mammograms younger. It made me think .... could we be causing things like cancer to be hitting at younger ages etc, simply because of how the world is going?
When my son was born two years ago, he was diagnosed with hypospadias (a condition where the penis isn't developed properly). Now that is apparently a fairly modern condition. They are not sure what causes it, but believe it's due to exposure to chemicals or something while the mother is pregnant.
We live in a fairly industrial type of town, and there are factories etc that are releasing fumes into the air. And it just makes me wonder. I mean, who really knows what these companies actually get up to, and what effect does it have on people's health. I could be completely off base .... but with what happened with my son, and now my daughter having some unexplained discharge .... I feel like just packing everything up and moving out bush lol. Probably just a worried mum totally over- reacting, but I am starting to lose faith in what we humans are doing to our world
I mean, I keep telling myself that it can't be anything bad (she's too young) ... but it still scares me.
I saw an interview with Anastacia (the singer) last night, and she is so honest and open about her breast cancer. But one of the things she said was that it seems to environmental now, and that women should get mammograms younger. It made me think .... could we be causing things like cancer to be hitting at younger ages etc, simply because of how the world is going?
When my son was born two years ago, he was diagnosed with hypospadias (a condition where the penis isn't developed properly). Now that is apparently a fairly modern condition. They are not sure what causes it, but believe it's due to exposure to chemicals or something while the mother is pregnant.
We live in a fairly industrial type of town, and there are factories etc that are releasing fumes into the air. And it just makes me wonder. I mean, who really knows what these companies actually get up to, and what effect does it have on people's health. I could be completely off base .... but with what happened with my son, and now my daughter having some unexplained discharge .... I feel like just packing everything up and moving out bush lol. Probably just a worried mum totally over- reacting, but I am starting to lose faith in what we humans are doing to our world
RoseRedTattoo
04-20-2004, 11:14 PM
Quite possibly, I've also watched "Erin Brokovich" too many times lol
Mara
04-29-2004, 04:24 PM
You are doing the right thing but it's terrible they have you wait that long. Call the specialists office to see if there are any cancellations that you could take. You might be able to get her in sooner that way.
media
06-02-2004, 06:14 AM
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022346801469788.
My daughter is the same age with the same symptoms! I went straight to this page with my search for Areola Discharge. I have written to letters to you that have dissappeared when I tried to attach a link..maybe you have these.Your page has been useful. I hope your daughter has seen the specialist by now and that all is well. I would appreciate if you could let me know as I am making an appointment with a breast specialist only today. There is no knowing when that will be. I too am quite anxious for her. We have a number of family members on my Mother's side, including my Mother, with breast cancer. So this is a worrying symptom.
My daughter is the same age with the same symptoms! I went straight to this page with my search for Areola Discharge. I have written to letters to you that have dissappeared when I tried to attach a link..maybe you have these.Your page has been useful. I hope your daughter has seen the specialist by now and that all is well. I would appreciate if you could let me know as I am making an appointment with a breast specialist only today. There is no knowing when that will be. I too am quite anxious for her. We have a number of family members on my Mother's side, including my Mother, with breast cancer. So this is a worrying symptom.
csoar2004
06-02-2004, 11:49 AM
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022346801469788.
My daughter is the same age with the same symptoms! I went straight to this page with my search for Areola Discharge. I have written to letters to you that have dissappeared when I tried to attach a link..maybe you have these.Your page has been useful. I hope your daughter has seen the specialist by now and that all is well. I would appreciate if you could let me know as I am making an appointment with a breast specialist only today. There is no knowing when that will be. I too am quite anxious for her. We have a number of family members on my Mother's side, including my Mother, with breast cancer. So this is a worrying symptom. Media, it's against the Healthboard rules to send emails or request email address from posters and the only links that are allowed are .gov or .edu ones (unless you get permission from mod1 for others). Just trying to keep you from getting banned. ;)
Good luck with your daughter's condition! :D
____________________
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush Plan for life and perky to the max! :jester:
My daughter is the same age with the same symptoms! I went straight to this page with my search for Areola Discharge. I have written to letters to you that have dissappeared when I tried to attach a link..maybe you have these.Your page has been useful. I hope your daughter has seen the specialist by now and that all is well. I would appreciate if you could let me know as I am making an appointment with a breast specialist only today. There is no knowing when that will be. I too am quite anxious for her. We have a number of family members on my Mother's side, including my Mother, with breast cancer. So this is a worrying symptom. Media, it's against the Healthboard rules to send emails or request email address from posters and the only links that are allowed are .gov or .edu ones (unless you get permission from mod1 for others). Just trying to keep you from getting banned. ;)
Good luck with your daughter's condition! :D
____________________
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush Plan for life and perky to the max! :jester:
EVV
02-15-2006, 06:41 PM
I am 15 years old and as of a month ago I have had the same symptoms as were described in the first post. I have told my mom but she insists "it's probably nothing" and that I'm simply paranoid. I would appreciate any other information you might have about this and if it is, in fact, serious.
Thanks
Thanks
cktf61
01-12-2007, 05:09 PM
My 13yr old daughter has had a brownish coloured discharge leaking from her left areola (not from the nipple itself) for the last 3 weeks. There is no obvious mark or wound that the discharge is coming from. There is no lump, and it is not painful.
She has had a swab taken, blood test (for prolactin level) and an ultrasound, but doctors still don't know what it is. We have been referred to a breast specialist ... but I'm not sure how long before we get to see the specialist.
Does anybody have any ideas/been in similar situation? Surely 13 is too young for cancer? My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, so I'm a bit worried :(
I know the time frame is past and you may not even come back to this site...but did you ever find out what it is? My daughter who is 14 has the EXACT same problem! Same breast and all.... having hard time getting appointment ASAP so any info you can tell me that would be great! I hope you log into this again! Thanks for any updates! :angel:
She has had a swab taken, blood test (for prolactin level) and an ultrasound, but doctors still don't know what it is. We have been referred to a breast specialist ... but I'm not sure how long before we get to see the specialist.
Does anybody have any ideas/been in similar situation? Surely 13 is too young for cancer? My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, so I'm a bit worried :(
I know the time frame is past and you may not even come back to this site...but did you ever find out what it is? My daughter who is 14 has the EXACT same problem! Same breast and all.... having hard time getting appointment ASAP so any info you can tell me that would be great! I hope you log into this again! Thanks for any updates! :angel:
ETOS
05-29-2007, 11:37 PM
My 14 year daughter has the same symptoms was anyone able to determine a dignosis. There were several people with same symptoms I am looking for help as we await our next doctores appointment.
FoxxyRocker
06-19-2007, 12:34 PM
I am 26, and have just gottten similar symptoms. I'm not pregnant or breast-feeding. The discharge is from the areola of my left breast, and is kind of pale yellow and sticky. I already have a lot of benign tumors in my breasts (about 50 pea sized tumors in the underside of each breast, and a few thumb-sized tumors in the upper halves). Any diagnosis or info yet anyone?
FoxxyRocker
06-19-2007, 02:15 PM
I am pretty sure that it's not mammary duct ectasia, that's usually associated with menopause-aged women, and is usually accompanied by pain, an inverted nipple, and a lump or redness. Any other ideas? Most disorders generally site discharge from the actual nipple. All I know is that I'm kinda scared, and a little worried, and a whole lotta confused.:dizzy:
smoochy39
06-20-2007, 08:44 PM
Have any of y'all researched 'inflammatory breast cancer'? Not to scare anyone, but I've been having problems too.
It took over a year after weaning my last child, and I still (two years later) have a duct that a thick yellowish discharge comes out of. I've been told it could still be lactation, but I'm starting to get terrible pain in both my breasts-like sore, you can't even touch them pain. It seems to be cyclic, starting about 2 weeks before my period, then goes away for two weeks.
The person I talked to told me all my symptoms could be hormonal, but would be remiss if she didn't tell me about the inflammatory cancer, as you don't have the normal 'lumps' with that type.
I don't have insurance, and kind of in denial, just hoping it is hormonal. I spoke to a lactation specialist.
I hope the original poster let's us know what's going on. That would scare me to death, and then a two month wait?? That's absurd.
smoochy
It took over a year after weaning my last child, and I still (two years later) have a duct that a thick yellowish discharge comes out of. I've been told it could still be lactation, but I'm starting to get terrible pain in both my breasts-like sore, you can't even touch them pain. It seems to be cyclic, starting about 2 weeks before my period, then goes away for two weeks.
The person I talked to told me all my symptoms could be hormonal, but would be remiss if she didn't tell me about the inflammatory cancer, as you don't have the normal 'lumps' with that type.
I don't have insurance, and kind of in denial, just hoping it is hormonal. I spoke to a lactation specialist.
I hope the original poster let's us know what's going on. That would scare me to death, and then a two month wait?? That's absurd.
smoochy
anastasia89
11-16-2007, 12:50 PM
I'm 18 years old and have the same symptoms on my right breast, and have been having them for the past few weeks. Since I'm away at college I haven't been able to talk to my mom or doctor about it yet. Also I'm not sure if I should even be worried. If anyone has any answers to what it is I'd love to know what's happening to me!