Nipple discharge

Definition/Description

Unilateral or bilateral discharge from nipple

Red Flag Symptoms

Unilateral discharge – whether blood stained or clear.

Any associated lump or nipple/skin changes.

Guidelines on Management

If age > 50 yrs and unilateral discharge needs 2WW referral.

If < 50yrs and unilateral discharge refer non urgently. Non-urgent referrals are still part of the “breast symptomatic pathway”. These are normally seen within two weeks.

 

Referral Criteria/Information

Information to include in referral letter

  • Symptoms and duration.
  • Any Family history.
  • Relevant PMH.

BILATERAL discharge or Galactorrhoea does NOT require referral to Breast surgery.

In galactorrhoea patient should be referred to Endocrinology.

Additional Resources & Reference

References

NICE guideline 12 Suspected Cancer recognition and referral updated Jan 2021.

Breast Cancer Now

Associated Policies

Benign skin lesion removal Global

Specialties

Breast York

Places covered by

  • vale-of-york

Hospital Trusts

  • york-and-scarborough-teaching-hospitals
Author: Responsible Consultant: Miss Jenny Piper / Responsible GP: Dr Ruth Guest
Date created: 10/06/2025, 13:43
Last modified: 09/07/2025, 13:44
Date of review: 31-08-2026