What is Galactorrhea?

Galactorrhea
A 44-year-old woman with bloody nipple discharge. A. Initial mediolateral ductogram reveals focal ductal wall irregularities below the subsegmental ducts in the peripheral portion (long arrow) of the left breast. This finding was overlooked, and the only reported abnormal finding was a questionable cut-off lesion in the segmental duct (short arrow). Sonography was negative (not shown here). Duct excision targeting the cut-off lesion was performed, and fibrocystic changes were reported. Subsequently, the bloody nipple discharge ceased.B. Eighteen months later, this patient revisited the hospital due to a palpable mass in the left breast. Mediolateral oblique mammogram reveals a 2-cm round, partly obscured mass in the palpable area (arrow).C. Sonogram reveals a 2-cm circumscribed hypoechoic mass (arrows) in the palpable area. US-guided core biopsy revealed an invasive papillary carcinoma. Ductographic findings of breast cancer. Cho N, Moon WK, Chung SY, Cha JH, Cho KS, Kim EK, Oh KK - Korean journal of radiology (2005 Jan-Mar). Not Altered. CC.

Galactorrhea is a condition characterized by breast milk production unrelated to lactation or pregnancy in women.

What is the Pathology of Galactorrhea?

The pathology of galactorrhea is:

-Etiology: The cause of galactorrhea is hypothalamic-pituitary causes- prolactinomas, pituitary infiltrative disorders. Non-hypothalamic-pituitary etiology- hypothyroidism, medications (risperidone), renal failure, chest wall lesions, idiopathic.

-Genes involved: Unknown.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to galactorrhea. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and TRH stimulate prolactin production. Nipple stimulus, chest lesions, renal failure, and some medications may lead to hyperprolactinemia. Estrogens inhibition to hypothalamic dopamine also causes hyperprolactinemia.

-Morphology: Enlarged glandular tissue.

-Histology: Enlarged glands.

How does Galactorrhea Present? 

Patients with galactorrhea are typically common in females present at the age range of 20 to 40 years. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with galactorrhea include menstrual abnormalities, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Green or white discharge from the breast.

How is Galactorrhea Diagnosed? 

Galactorrhea is diagnosed through laboratory studies; prolactin level test, pituitary hormones assessment, and MRI of the pituitary gland.

How is Galactorrhea Treated? 

Galactorrhea is treated through medical treatment such as dopamine agonists like bromocriptine. 

What is the Prognosis of Galactorrhea?

The prognosis of galactorrhea is good has reduced the incidence of morbidity.

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Last updated on May 24, 2022