Nipple Discharge
The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form. This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date. If you receive this SMS, please update your details.
Availability
North South North West Statewide
This condition is treated in the Breast Surgery clinic
Pre-referral work-up
History
All women aged 55 and over with nipple discharge should be referred, in addition to women under 55 with:
- Bilateral discharge sufficient to stain clothes
- Blood stained
- Persistent single duct
All referrals should comply to referral standards and also include:
- Onset of discharge
- Nature of discharge – blood, colour, odour
- Lactation history
- Clinical examination – description of breast, nipple and discharge
Tests
- Consider swab +/- cytology if appropriate
- Mammography if over 35, or under 35 with abnormal findings on examination
- Ultrasound if unilateral or blood-stained
Interim/GP management
To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Breast Surgery clinic page for the full referral process and templates.
Simple analgesia if required.
For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.
Routine / category 3
Discharge with normal examination and investigations
Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.
http://canceraustralia.gov.au/clinical-practice-guidelines/breast-cancer
Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6777 6405 Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120 Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100 Fax: (03) 6173 0489
Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.
Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review and the referral must be faxed.
We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.
We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks
Next available appointment