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?
October 29, 2011
Answer: 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 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.
Helpful
October 29, 2011
Answer: 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 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.
Helpful
November 21, 2010
Answer: 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.
Helpful
November 21, 2010
Answer: 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.
Helpful