When to check for prolactin levels?
When women present with persistent copious bilateral milky discharge not associated with pregnancy and breast feeding (galactorrhoea) then check for prolactin levels. Treatment Patients with physiological nipple discharge require no specific treatment. The patient can be reassured that it is not due to cancer. Patients should be advised to stop expressing as this causes more secretions. Should the discharge become spontaneous or bloodstained, they should be advised to return for further assessment When physiological discharge is a nuisance surgery can be offered and hence can be referred to the breast center. Abnormal nipple discharge (managed at the breast centre) Clinical examination, Ultrasound, Mammography, Nipple smear are performed. If any of the investigations are abnormal then further assessment is done. If investigations are normal and discharge not suspicious or troublesome patients are reassured. If investigations are normal, and discharge suspicious or troublesome then surg
