What Causes Slight Yellow Discharge In The Left Breast Of A Child?

Posted on Fri, 29 Jul 2016

Question: I have a question about my 10 year old daughter. For the last month or so I have noticed a slight yellowish discharge from her left breast. I see it on her bras and her night shirts. It is only a small amount, perhaps one or 2 small spots about 3 or so mm wide and not every day (on average every other day). She is well into puberty and has already started her period (6 months ago). Her breasts are approximately a size A cup perhaps a little smaller. She wears sport type bras but she does not complain about them being too tight. As I said I have only noticed for the past month but in honesty I wasn't looking before that time so it may be longer. I am concerned.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please get her evaluated by a physician

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for choosing this platform

Small amount of yellowish discharge can occur in this age at the time when menstruation starts.Other causes like low thyroid level,any medication causing secretion of milk and less commonly any cause of increased prolactin should be looked for.
I won't get overly worried as the color is yellowish not green or red which if present suggests some breast pathology.
I suggest you to consult a physician for clinical evaluation and also to rule out any cause if there.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (2 days later)

Thank you for your prompt reply. I have made an appointment with a physician but cannot be seen for 2.5 weeks (my physician is on vacation). I have heard that this may be a normal thing during puberty but i was wondering where the "yellowish discharge" could come from. When I looked at her breasts I saw a small drop of fluid (I admit I squeezed a bit) on her areola in a pore but nothing came out of the nipple itself. It was from a small pore next to the side of her nipple.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely of benign nature

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for follow up

I agree that in most of the cases in this age, it is benign in nature and does not need any specific treatment.
The pore beside the nipple can be XXXXXXX gland (a gland which secretes sebum) or dilated lacteal duct.
So there is nothing to worry much.Still it is always better to consult your physician for clinical evaluation and also to rule out other remote possibilities.

I hope,I am able to alleviate your anxiety to some extent.
If you have any doubt,please feel free to ask.

Warm regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

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