Galactorrhea

Published on 10/03/2015 by admin

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Last modified 10/03/2015

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Chapter 14 GALACTORRHEA

Theodore O’Connell

Galactorrhea is the inappropriate production of milk from the breast in the absence of pregnancy or beyond 6 to 12 months post partum in a nonbreastfeeding woman. The discharge of milk may be unilateral or bilateral, may be intermittent or persistent, and may vary in volume. Galactorrhea may also occur in boys and men and in infants and teenage girls.

Distinguishing galactorrhea from other forms of nipple discharge is usually straightforward. In galactorrhea, the discharge has the appearance of milk, occurs from multiple ducts in the nipple, most commonly occurs bilaterally, and is usually spontaneous.

When nipple discharge is consistent with galactorrhea, the medical history often reveals the cause. Important elements of the history and physical examination are outlined in the following sections.

Causes of Galactorrhea

Bronchogenic carcinoma

Chronic renal failure

Estrogen withdrawal

Hypothalamic lesions

• Craniopharyngioma

• Empty sella syndrome

• Pituitary stalk lesions

• Primary hypothalamic tumor

• Sarcoidosis

• Tuberculosis

Neonatal galactorrhea

Neurogenic causes

• Breast stimulation

• Chest surgery

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