Validation study of a modern treatment algorithm for nipple discharge

Nipple discharge occurs in 2% to 5% of women. We evaluated the effectiveness of a previously proposed treatment algorithm for these patients.

Patients with pathologic nipple discharge and a negative mammogram and subareolar ultrasound were offered follow-up from 2005 to 2011 according to the algorithm.

A total of 192 patients, mean age 56 years, were studied. Risk of carcinoma among the entire cohort was 5%. Breast surgeon was consulted for 142 (74%) patients: 48 (34%) underwent initial subareolar excision and 94 (66%) were clinically followed. The rate of carcinoma was 17% (8/48) after initial subareolar excision, 0% (0/13) for those without imaging abnormalities, 23% (8/35) with imaging abnormalities, and 1% (1/94) with clinical follow-up. Of patients who underwent follow-up, 21% (n = 20) underwent subareolar excision because of imaging abnormality (n = 1, 1%) or persistent discharge (n = 19, 20%). Most patients had ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 5, 56%).

Patients with nipple discharge can be prospectively identified based on radiographic findings and clinical examination for safe clinical follow-up. Most will have resolution avoiding a surgical procedure.