Ask Dr Miriam

Q I’ve had inverted nipples all my life and now at 65 one of them has developed a clear discharge. I’m worried it could be cancer. A It’s unlikely to be cancer but you should check with your doctor asap.

It’s more likely to be a benign condition called ectasia. As breasts age, the ducts behind the nipple become dilated and fluid stagnates.

It may cause the inside of the duct to become inflamed and ulcerated in which case the discharge would be blood-stained. These two factors, the normal dilatation of the ducts, and inflammation of the ducts, account for most nipple problems in the over-50s. Usually there is no pain and ththe discharge causedcau by ectasia can be creamy, brown, grey or green. It can be watery or very thick. A discharge from a benign condition like ectasia is usually best left alone but if you get repeated infections ducts can be surgically removed. See your GP.