HomeAnswersGeneral Practitionernipple dischargeI am a 17-year-old boy who gets nipple discharge from squeezing my breasts. Why?

What are the causes of nipple discharge on squeezing breasts in a 20-year-old boy?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 24, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 17, 2023

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?

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? Since when are you having this problem of clear liquid discharge? Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi,

It is clear that both my breast 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?

Hello,

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 too 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 and through tests and 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. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi,

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 shrunk 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.

Hello,

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 squeeze can cause minor trauma and a discharge. Please give it a rest. If there is tenderness around the breast area, discharge, or the site is swollen enough, it could be gynecomastia. In that case, you should seek medical help to rule out or confirm whether it is gynecomastia or not. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you so much, doctor,

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.

Hello,

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 is some symptoms or problem, you better seek medical attention rather than getting disturbed by your thoughts for a long time. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi,

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.

Hello,

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

Yes thank you very much, I’ve booked a doctors appointment tomorrow, hopefully that will ease my worries even further. Thanks for your time, much appreciated!

Hi,

Welcome back to iclinq.com.

Yes, visiting a doctor is the right approach to any medical-related problem. Thanks for your time too. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat
Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Family Physician

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