Bloody nipple discharge can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'needs attention' to 'generally fatal'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose bloody nipple discharge, we could:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Breast Cancer | 95% | Confirm |
Drug Side-Effects | 26% | Unlikely |
Male Breast Cancer | 2% | Ruled out |
If you have any unusual discharge from your nipples, is it bloodstained?
Possible responses:
→ Don't know / I am pregnant or lactating→ There is no discharge → No → Yes |
Nipple discharge can be a symptom of breast cancer, particularly if it is bloodstained. You should definitely discuss any nipple discharge with a doctor – especially if you are a man, because the usual cause is a tumor and you will need treatment.