Breast skin and nipple changes


Description

Learn about skin and nipple changes in the breast so you know when to see your health care provider.

Alternative Names

Inverted nipple; Nipple discharge; Breast feeding - nipple changes; Breastfeeding - nipple changes

Notice Changes in Your Breasts and Nipples

INVERTED NIPPLES

SKIN PUCKERING OR DIMPLING

This can be caused by scar tissue from surgery or an infection. Often, scar tissue forms for no reason. See your provider. Most of the time this issue does not need treatment.

WARM TO THE TOUCH, RED, OR PAINFUL BREAST

This is almost always caused by an infection in your breast. It is rarely due to breast cancer. See your provider for treatment.

SCALY, FLAKING, ITCHY SKIN

THICKENED SKIN WITH LARGE PORES

This is called peau d'orange because the skin looks like an orange peel. An infection in the breast or inflammatory breast cancer can cause this problem. See your provider right away.

RETRACTED NIPPLES

Your nipple was raised above the surface but begins to pull inward and does not come out when stimulated. See your provider if this is new.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will talk to you about your medical history and recent changes you have noticed in your breasts and nipples. Your provider will also do a breast exam and may suggest that you see a skin doctor (dermatologist) or breast specialist.

You may have these tests done:

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your provider if you notice:

References

David BA, Shalin SC. Disorders of the skin. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 18.

Deb S, Dabbs DJ, Fox SB. Neoplasia of the male breast. In: Dabbs DJ, ed. Breast Pathology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 32.

Klatt EC. The breasts. In: Klatt EC, ed. Robbins and Cotran Atlas of Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 14.


Review Date: 11/21/2022
Reviewed By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 05/22/2024.
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