Differential Diagnosis for Brown Breast Milk
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Breast milk with a high concentration of lipids or foremilk imbalance: This condition can cause the milk to appear brown or have a brownish tint due to the high fat content.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Blood in breast milk (rusty pipe syndrome): This condition occurs when there is bleeding from the nipple or breast tissue, causing the milk to appear brown or pink.
- Infection or inflammation of the breast (mastitis): Certain infections can cause changes in the color or consistency of breast milk, including a brownish tint.
- Dietary factors: Consuming certain foods or drinks, such as beets or rhubarb, can cause a change in the color of breast milk.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Galactosemia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to metabolize galactose, a sugar found in milk. It can cause a range of symptoms, including changes in the color or consistency of breast milk.
- Breast cancer: Although rare, breast cancer can cause changes in the color or consistency of breast milk, including a brownish tint.
- Rare diagnoses
- Alkaptonuria: A rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down certain amino acids, causing a range of symptoms, including darkening of the urine and breast milk.
- Melanosis: A rare condition characterized by an increase in melanin production, which can cause a range of symptoms, including changes in skin and breast milk color.