title: Epidemiology of nipple discharge.
abstract: The Authors report their personal observations of nipple discharge in gynecologic patients admitted to the Obstetric and Gynecologic Department of Padua University or applying to the Senologic Diagnostic- or Endocrinology-Departments of the same. After dividing breast secretions into two groups - the neuroendocrine and the strictly mammary ones - the Authors discuss their etiopathogenesis, incidence, and clinical significance (mainly as to their possible association to breast malignancies), and present their personal results. At the end, a careful examination of all nipple discharges is recommended, which should include, besides cytological evaluation, a complete assessment of the neuroendocrine function and a watchful investigation of local breast conditions.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009558:Nipples; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D011388:Prolactin