DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am an 82-year-old woman. I have a very puzzling problem.
Since June 2007, I have had a small amount of drainage from my right breast. I saw a breast surgeon who took a sample and ordered a blood analysis. I was told unless there was blood in the fluid, there was only about a ten percent chance that the drainage was caused by cancer.

I have a strong family history of cancer so the specialist suggested I have a biopsy. He said it would be a painful process. He also gave me the option of wait-and-see.

I have not done anything yet but wonder if I should. The surgeon told me he thought the drainage was from a milk duct abnormality. What is your opinion?

DEAR READER:
Any breast drainage is a red flag warning of possible cancer. Your breast surgeon is, in my view, somewhat correct that a biopsy is an appropriate step, however I suggest you first explore non-invasive techniques, such as mammogram and breast ultrasound. In this way, the surgeon would be able to visualize the mammary glands (milk ducts) as well as the rest of the breast. These procedures should show any abnormalities.

I would just like to mention that I am unsure how your breast surgeon would know where to do a biopsy unless he has already done imaging studies. This would be like throwing a dart at a target but only knowing what wall the target is on. Chances are, if something is present, it would be missed.

Because you have a strong family history of cancer, the drainage is persistent and you have delayed for nearly a year, I urge you to have the imaging studies. Further testing and possible treatment can then be based on those findings. Don’t delay any longer. Breast cancer can be cured if caught in the early stages. There is always a likely chance that the drainage is benign but without evaluation, there is no way to tell.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Breast Cancer and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.