Inverted Nipple a Sign of Breast Cancer?

Inverted nipples are caused by tightened breast duct tissue and may be due to a variety of reasons, such as genetics, trauma, pregnancy and lactation. Cancer isn't usually a cause. You can see a doctor for a physical examination if you are concerned.

You should see a plastic surgeon to determine your risk of breast cancer.  In the vast majority of cases an inverted nipple is not caused by cancer, but you will need to see a professional to confirm your case.

Many patients have inverted nipples from puberty and that is not a sign of anything worrisome. A new onset of nipple retraction could be a sign that there is something going on with the duct systems and could be a signal of something worrisome.  It is best to see an experienced breast surgeon or plastic surgeon with new onset inverted nipple, once the appropriate examination and tests are performed you will rest assured that it is nothing to worry about.  

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.

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. 

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.

Many women are born with an inverted nipple in one or both breasts.  The inversion may be constant or intermittent in nature.  An inverted nipple is not uncommon and is not a health concern when it has been present since your developed breasts.  However, new onset nipple inversion in an adult can be due to a process in the breast causing traction on the ducts that go to the nipple.  This is not always cancer, but it could be something concerning and should be checked out if it is new in onset.  I would recommend an in-person consultation for further evaluation.  An inverted nipple that has been there your entire life can be corrected with a simple in-office procedure under local anesthesia by a plastic surgeon.
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

I would recommend careful evaluation by a board certified breast surgeon or plastic surgeon.   If you have always had inverted nipples, the chances of breast cancer are extremely low.    However, if the nipple retraction is new, I would recommend an evaluation.

If your nipple has been inverted since puberty, or since pregnancy, especially after breast feeding, this is not a concern. However, if you have had a recent change with a nipple inverting for no apparent cause, this is a concern. Some women are born with or develop inverted nipples (completely or partially) with puberty.  This is primarily due to short milk ducts inside and below the nipple, and is normal for some women. However, if you have noticed a recent change, I would suggest seeing your primary physician or a breast surgeon to make sure there is nothing abnormal developing in your breast under the nipple.

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 nipples  depends on the  extent of the problem.

 

Usually correction of the inverted nipples involve division  of the lactiferous (milk ducts). The risks  of the procedure include potential loss of sensation, inability to breast-feed, recurrence of the asymmetry and the potential need for further surgery.

My advice to patients go something like this...  If the nipple is permanently inverted and does not evert  with stimulation, then it is a useless nipple  when it comes to sensitivity and/or breast-feeding. In these  cases correction of inversion is indicated (because the potential gains outweigh the risks outlined above).  On the other hand, if the nipple does evert  spontaneously with  or without stimulation,  then I am more reluctant to perform the procedure given that the risks may outweigh the potential benefits.  At that point, the decision is the patient's to make after careful consideration.

I hope this helps.