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Monday, February 28, 2011 Jess_Lee1990 asks

Q: Rash on left nipple with yellow discharge.

I am 21 years old and for the last few months I have had a very itchy left nipple. At first my nipple became flaky and dead skin started coming off it but for the past week the majority of my nipple seems to be covered in a rash and a yellow discharge is coming out of it (I have to put tissues in my bras to avoid getting yellow stains on them).

 

I have no idea if this is a serious problem and a sign of breast cancer and I'm too embarrassed to go to the doctor. Can anyone help me or give me some advice?

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Answers (1)
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
2/28/11 8:03am

Jess - you're 21 years old. You're a grown woman. "Too embarrassed to go to the doctor" is something it's time to get over. This is probably a rash of some kind, perhaps heading towards a more serious infection. It COULD be a very rare form of breast cancer - though given your age and the rarity of the diagnosis, it's unlikely. But you HAVE to see a doctor, given that this condition is progressing. Call your local hospital, and ask if there's a walk-in or outpatient clinic, and if there's a woman physician you could see; a woman would probably be easier for you to deal with. But no excuses - call the hospital or a doctor, and get the process going.  Action trumps worry/anxiety any day. So, as the Nike ads say - just do it. Take care - PJH

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By Jess_Lee1990— Last Modified: 02/28/11, First Published: 02/28/11