Commonest cause of blood discharge from the nipple is
**Core Concept**
Benign breast conditions are a common cause of nipple discharge, with the most prevalent being duct ectasia, fibroadenoma, or intraductal papilloma. These conditions can lead to a range of symptoms, including bloody nipple discharge.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Intraductal papilloma is a benign tumor that grows within the milk ducts of the breast, often causing bloody or serous nipple discharge. This condition arises from the proliferation of epithelial cells within the ducts, which can cause a mass or polyp to form. The papilloma can be single or multiple, and it is thought to arise from the ductal epithelium. The exact cause of intraductal papilloma is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal influences, particularly estrogen.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Duct ectasia is a condition that involves the widening of the milk ducts, often causing a cheesy or bloody nipple discharge. While it is a common cause of nipple discharge, it is not the most common cause of bloody discharge.
* **Option B:** Fibroadenoma is a benign tumor that grows within the breast tissue, but it is not typically associated with nipple discharge.
* **Option C:** Breast cancer can cause nipple discharge, but it is a less common cause than benign conditions such as intraductal papilloma.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Intraductal papilloma is a benign condition, but it can be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Therefore, any patient presenting with bloody nipple discharge should undergo thorough evaluation, including imaging studies and biopsy, to rule out malignancy.
**Correct Answer:** C. Intraductal papilloma.