Is It Normal If Your Breast Is Leaking Water?

Causes of Nipple Discharge

You are more likely to have nipple discharge if you have had a previous pregnancy. The discharge is not usually caused by cancer; in fact the likelihood of breast cancer is rare. Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of the discharge and what to expect for treatment. Below are some reasons for nipple discharge:

• A current pregnancy

• You were recently breastfeeding

• An injury to the breast area

• Irritation to the nipple caused by rubbing of a bra or other clothing

• A possible infection

• Breast ducts that may be clogged or inflamed

• Noncancerous pituitary tumor

• Small growth noted in the breast (usually non-cancerous)

• Hypothyroidism

• Lumpiness in the breast (Fibrocystic breast)

• Certain medications

• Use of herbs such as fennel and anise

• The milk ducts have widened

Nipple discharge that is considered abnormal includes:

• Bloody discharge

• Discharge from only one nipple

• Discharge that releases on its own without any stimulation

Nipple discharge that is considered likely to be normal includes:

• Discharge noted from both nipples

• Discharge that is noted after squeezing of the nipples

The variations in the color noted cannot determine if the condition is normal or abnormal.

The continuous expelling of discharge by purposeful stimulation can make the condition worse and should be avoided.

When to Notify Your Physician About Any Discharge or Water Coming Out of Your Breasts

If you are wondering, “what is the clear liquid that comes out of my breast” or any other color of discharge, you should have your health care provider do an examination.

What Happens Next?

After reporting that there is water coming out of your breasts or any other color discharge, your healthcare provider will do a thorough exam, listen to your symptoms and gain more information about your medical history. Some tests that may be done can include:

• Thyroid and Prolactin blood tests

• MRI or head CT to rule out a pituitary tumor

• A mammogram

• A breast ultrasound

• A biopsy of the breast

• A ductogram with the use of an x-ray to examine the milk ducts for patency

• If Paget’s disease is a potential factor, a skin biopsy may be done

What If My Tests and Exam Were Normal?

In the case that no abnormalities were found, it is recommended that you should follow up with yearly mammograms and physical exams. This is necessary to recognize a new diagnosis or change in condition. In some cases the discharge or water coming out of your breast will resolve on its own with no treatment.

Treatment – What to Expect

When the cause of water coming from your breast or other secretions is revealed, treatment recommendations will be given. They may include the following:

• If caused by a medication, the medication should be changed

• Any identified lumps may need to be removed

• Removal of the affected breast ducts

• Treatment of skin changes surrounding the nipple with prescribed creams

• Necessary medications to treat an underlying health condition