Clinical analyses of 285 cases of nipple discharge

Objective To sum up and analyze the clinical significance of nipple discharge and to introduce its diagnostic methods in order to provide a scientific basis for more rational treatment in clinical practice. Methods Retrospective analyses of 285 cases of nipple discharge who had undergone surgical operations during the period from Jan 1990 to Aug 2002 were made. Results Of the 285 in-patients, 55 had breast cancer (19.3%), 130 had intraductal papilloma (45.6%), 20 had intraductal papillomatosis(7.0%) ,36 had ductal di-lation(11.6%), 11 had inflammation of the mammary duct(3.9%). Among above-mentioned diseases, breast cancer, intraductal papilloma and intraductal papillomatosis predominated, totalling 205 cases (71.9%). Conclusion Intraductal endoscopy was the first choice of etiological diagnosis of nipple discharge. Opportune etiological diagnosis of nipple discharge,especially bloody discharge, should be made for rational surgery.