I am 20, male. Why is there nipple discharge on pressing?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi,

I am a 20-year-old boy, and I have a question. When I squeeze both my nipples very hard, a tiny little bit of clear liquid (a drop) comes out. What does this mean?

Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Please answer a few questions. Is there any swelling or enlarged breast tissue in that area? When did you first start experiencing this issue with clear liquid discharge?

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi,

Thank you, doctor, for the reply.

It is clear that both my breasts have extra fat and tissue around them. They have been like that for years. The discharge started this morning when I squeezed them. My mother has done a really good job assessing it, and she thinks that it could be gynecomastia.

What do you suggest?

Answered by Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am currently thinking in the same direction that it could be gynecomastia. It is a benign proliferation of breast tissue in men. Physiologic gynecomastia also happens, and it occurs in newborns, adolescents, and older men. Usually, nipple discharge in men does not happen.

However, it should be investigated to determine the cause. There is a term called pseudo-gynecomastia, which means excess fat or adipose tissue around the breast or nipple area and can be confused with gynecomastia. Gynecomastia has to be diagnosed clinically, through tests, and through a thorough physical examination.

If the extra fat and tissue around the nipple area, as you mentioned, is diagnosed as gynecomastia, then medical history and tests would be needed to find the cause of gynecomastia, which could be the reason for clear nipple discharge, as you mentioned.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi,

Thank you, doctor, for the reply.

About two months ago, I had a soft lump on my areola, which was painful. However, it only lasted two days and then went away. It shrank down to a tiny size. Ever since then, I have been extremely paranoid about breast cancer, and I keep feeling as if my nipples are damp, but when I touch them, they are completely dry.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Please do not let your thoughts disturb you. Do not keep squeezing the nipples unnecessarily, thinking they are damp. Repeated squeezing can cause minor trauma and a discharge.

Please give it a rest. If there is tenderness around the breast area, discharge, or if the site is swollen enough, it could be a sign of gynecomastia. In that case, you should seek medical help to rule out or confirm whether it is gynecomastia or not.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi,

Thank you, doctor, for the reply.

I have been worried so much over the past three years about cancers and conditions. I suppose that a 20-year-old boy should not be worrying about these things.

Answered by Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

What were you thinking for the past three years? You mentioned a small soft lump in your areola two months ago, and you have paranoia about it. But now you say you have been worried for the past three years, and about what? It would be best if you came out of such unnecessary paranoia.

If there are some symptoms or problems, you'd better seek medical attention rather than being disturbed by your thoughts for a long time.

Kind regards.

Patient's Query

Hi,

Thank you, doctor, for the reply.

I have not been worried about the lump for the last three years. I have just been worried about medical conditions in general, like hypochondria.

Answered by Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Be observant of your medical symptoms and seek medical attention right away if needed. I gave you guidelines and an approach to your initial complaint in the query, and this time, get medical attention to rule out gynecomastia.

I hope I was able to guide you properly.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi,

Thank you, doctor, for the reply.

Yes, thank you very much. I have booked a doctor's appointment tomorrow, hopefully that will ease my worries even further.

Thanks for your time, much appreciated!