1 Answer

Papillomas are benign tumors that are like little polyps that develop in milk ducts. They may produce nipple discharge — and in fact are the most common cause of spontaneous nipple discharge — but do not usually produce a lump.

Blood that appears from the nipples can be due to bleeding from the skin of the nipples or from inside the breast. The skin of the nipples can often be affected by eczema, which can cause sore, itchy flaking skin which bleeds particularly when it is rubbed by a close fitting bra.

However, very occasionally bleeding skin on the nipples can be due to a more serious skin condition called Bowens disease, which can be linked with breast cancer, so it is important any abnormality of the skin of the nipples is checked and treated by a doctor.

Bleeding coming from inside the breast itself is likely to appear as dots of blood on the surface of the nipples, which are more apparent when the breast is squeezed.

A benign polyp inside one of the milk ducts is likely to be to blame - or just inflammation of the milk ducts - but again, bleeding coming from inside the breast can be a sign of breast cancer, so it is important you have a thorough breast examination by a doctor.

Be sure to see your doctor about this.