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Inverted Nipple a Sign of Breast Cancer?

asked 2 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 15,668 times
Tags: nipples, breast cancer, inverted

my left breast nipple is dented. i've been ok with it, yet i saw a story in the news that it could be a sign of breast cancer. so now i am really scared! what's the cause of inverted nipples and is it something i need to get checked out right away?

9 answers to Inverted Nipple a Sign of Breast Cancer?

+3

Nipple retraction and inverted nipples

Inverted nipples on one or both sides are quite common and not typically associated with cancer.  However, some cancers involving the breast ducts can cause retraction of the ducts, leading to nipple retraction.  It is best to speak to an experienced surgeon about the nipple retraction to see if it is cause for concern. 
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Inverted Nipples?

Thank you for the question. It would be in your best interest to see a physician for consultation; although rare nipple inversion can be a sign of malignancy of the breast. Inverted nipples can cause functional problems for women and emotional concerns. An inverted nipple can look flat or a slit like depression or hole at the normal nipple location. There are different degrees of inverted nipples possible. Whether a patient is a candidate for correction of inverted... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Inverted Nipples Should be Evaluated.

Inverted nipples are often benign, particularly if present of a long time. However, newly inverted nipples require evaluation by you doctor as they may be a sign of breast cancer. It is prudent to have your breasts and nipples examined on a regular basis, and particularly if changes are noted. See    nybreastreconstruction.com   for more information on breast examination and breast cancer.
Fredrick A. Valauri, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

New inverted nipple may be a sign of concern

A newly inverted nipple is a finding which should be evaluated. However, most patients present with a long history of this dating back to or even preceeding puberty. This can be brought to the attention of your primary physcian who may order diagnostic testing or screening or recommend a referral to a specialist.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

New nipple inversion requires medical evaluation

Chronic nipple inversion is usually a benign condition for which repair can be performed, if desired. New nipple inversion is sometimes a sign of breast cancer and requires medical evaluation, including physical examination by a general surgeon or plastic surgeon and breast imaging studies (mammography, sonography). Last year I had a patient come to office for repair of a newly inverted nipple. Despite her resistance, I strongly recommended mammography. The... more
Ronald Friedman, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Inverted nipples don't always mean breast cancer

A NEWLY inverted nipple is more likely to be a sign of breast cancer than a nipple which has always been inverted.  Either way, with this concern, you should certainly seek a personal consultation with a breast surgeon or a plastic surgeon.
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Inverted nipple and cancer

  If you notice a change in your breast or that your nipple has recently become inverted, it is important to be evaluated by your physician. In some types of breast cancer, and inverted nipple or discharge from the nipple may be a sign of a tumor. Your doctor will want to do a complete exam and evaluate your entire breast and lymph nodes. It will also be important to receive a screening mammogram at this time. After your evaluation if it is determined that you do not have any... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Inverted nipples are worth investigating

New changes in your breast that cause your nipple to become inverted are worth investigating with your doctor. Especially if it is associated with nipple discharge or with a new bump in your breast. Talk with your doctor, get an exam by your doctor and consider a mammogram if you have not done so already. However, an inverted nipple can be a normal variant, particularly if you have had it for a long time.
Kevin Brenner, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Not all inverted nipples mean cancer

If you have always had an inverted nipple then the chance that this is related to breast cancer is very very slim. If the inversion came about over the course of several weeks or months, then this is reason for concern and you should seek an appointment with a physician. With breast cancer, inverted nipples can be caused from a growing tumor under the nipple distorting and creating traction on the overlying areolar tissue or breast ductal system. If one has always had a nipple inversion... more
Leslie H. Stevens, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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