Epidemiology of nipple discharge

The Authors report their personal observations of nipple discharge in gynecologic patients admitted to the Obstetric and Gynecologic Department of Padua University or applying to the Senologic Diagnostic- or Endocrinology-Departments of the same. After dividing breast secretions into two groups - the neuroendocrine and the strictly mammary ones - the Authors discuss their etiopathogenesis, incidence, and clinical significance (mainly as to their possible association to breast malignancies), and present their personal results. At the end, a careful examination of all nipple discharges is recommended, which should include, besides cytological evaluation, a complete assessment of the neuroendocrine function and a watchful investigation of local breast conditions.