Breast skin and nipple changes

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

Notice Changes in Your Breasts and Nipples

INVERTED NIPPLES

• This is normal if your nipples have always been indented inward and can easily point out when you touch them.
• If your nipples are pointing in and this is new, contact your provider right away.

SKIN PUCKERING OR DIMPLING

This can be caused by scar tissue from surgery or an infection. Often, scar tissue forms for no reason. Contact 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. Rarely, it is due to breast cancer. Contact your provider for treatment.

SCALY, FLAKING, ITCHY SKIN

• This is most often due to eczema or a bacterial or fungal infection. Contact your provider for advice and possible treatment.
• Flaking, scaly, itchy nipples can be a sign of Paget disease of the breast. This is a rare form of breast cancer involving the nipple.

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. Contact 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:

• Mammogram

  Mammogram

  A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...

   

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• Breast ultrasound

  Breast ultrasound

  Breast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.

   

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• Biopsy

  Biopsy

  A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.

   

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• Other tests for nipple discharge

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your provider if you notice:

• Your nipple is retracted or pulled in when it was not that way before.
• Your nipple has changed in shape.
• Your nipple becomes tender and it is not related to your menstrual cycle.
• Your nipple has skin changes.
• You have new nipple discharge.
• You notice bleeding from the nipple.
• You have fever and breast tenderness or pain.

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