A biopsy is the examination of tissue under a microscope. A core of tissue can be removed using a needle. The lump can also be removed as an ‘excision biopsy’. This means having an operation to actually remove the lump. Sometimes this is the only way of getting the results.

As a woman gets older, her breasts naturally develop cysts. These are usually simple cysts and not associated with cancer. They can be clearly seen on ultrasound.

Cancer may be the cause of the nipple discharge and it is important to rule it out. However, in this section, we are discussing non cancerous causes

NB: Cancer must always be excluded as the cause.

It can be normal to have inverted nipples and one or both of them may be inverted. It is abnormal to have a change in the shape or form of the nipple.

Any inflammatory condition of the breast can cause nipple inversion. Non-cancerous causes are:

• Duct ectasia
• Infection
• Abscess

These infections may be around the nipple or may be away from the nipple in the main part of the breast.

In general, abscesses may be treated with needle drainage of the pus and antibiotics. Occasionally, this does not get rid of the complete infection and then an operation may be necessary. After this, the infection may get completely better or may go on to form a draining sinus. If this happens, an operation will be necessary to remove the underlying tissue.