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What Does Atypical Cells Found In Nipple Discharge Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Question: Am 65 yrs when I express my nipple I have a bloody discharge that turned to clear recently Doctor took a smear of fluid and it came back atypical cells. Can these go away on their own? What should be done if anything.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not cancer, benign breast disease, but should be monitored well

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The atypical cells found from the nipple discharge are most probably due to benign breast disease, but still raise caution for a possibility in the development of cancer in the future, although this is only a suspicion and should be taken seriously by considering regular and routine monitoring of the breasts.

A smear does indeed help to look for/rule out/confirm cancer, but a biopsy should also have provided the current diagnosis. Most benign breast conditions are hormone dependant and slowly begin shrinking post-meonopause (as your age supports this), I would recommend monitoring every 3 months for the next year or two to look for any signs of deterioration (shrinking in size of the tumor, if present). If this occurs, then we can take this lightly.

But if at all, with regular monitoring we notice increase in size or progression, then a surgical option may have to be considered ma'am. For now, we can rest assured that this is not cancer and so please do not stress and try living life to the fullest, always. :)

I hope you find my response helpful ma'am. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Thabk you will take your advice XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The pleasure was mine entirely ma'am, wish you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

You are most welcome, and I would like you to know that I am always here to help, so do not ever hesitate to write to me for anything, anytime.

Best wishes.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Does Atypical Cells Found In Nipple Discharge Indicate?

Brief Answer: Not cancer, benign breast disease, but should be monitored well Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The atypical cells found from the nipple discharge are most probably due to benign breast disease, but still raise caution for a possibility in the development of cancer in the future, although this is only a suspicion and should be taken seriously by considering regular and routine monitoring of the breasts. A smear does indeed help to look for/rule out/confirm cancer, but a biopsy should also have provided the current diagnosis. Most benign breast conditions are hormone dependant and slowly begin shrinking post-meonopause (as your age supports this), I would recommend monitoring every 3 months for the next year or two to look for any signs of deterioration (shrinking in size of the tumor, if present). If this occurs, then we can take this lightly. But if at all, with regular monitoring we notice increase in size or progression, then a surgical option may have to be considered ma'am. For now, we can rest assured that this is not cancer and so please do not stress and try living life to the fullest, always. :) I hope you find my response helpful ma'am. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help. Best wishes.