Cytologic evaluation of nipple discharge in relation to mammary neoplasia

Spontaneous nipple discharge as a presenting symptom was seen in 80 patients out of 3500 patients referred for cytologic examination of breast during last 5 years. Gross appearance of nipple discharge was bloody (33), serous (29), milky (16) and yellowish (2). Cytology smears showed 5 cases of carcinoma and 14 cases of intraductal papilloma. One out of two cases of male nipple discharge revealed malignant cells. Bloody nipple discharge was more often associated with carcinoma and intraductal papilloma. Hence it underscored the importance of cytologic evaluation of bloody nipple discharge.