I noticed after I stopped breast feeding my son at 18 months, he's now almost 3, that my right nipple became inverted. I can, with very little help, get it out again. However it usually goes back inwards again. It doesn't hurt or anything, but I am wondering if this is something I need to worry about. I am 31 years old. Thanks in advance.
February 4, 2013
Answer: Nipple inversion
Although nipple inversion is a common issue, evaluation by a physician is warranted to ensure that it is not caused by an abnormality within your breast, most worrisome, a malignancy of your breast. Given your history of spontaneous eversion without difficulty and without other signs or symptoms, your instance is likely a benign finding. A simple procedure to correct and evert your nipple is possible if you so desired. However, I would wait until breast feeding and childbearing is completed. Certainly, if it continues to progress, fails to evert with manipulation, or there is any drainage/bleeding, an examination with likely further imaging studies should be conducted urgently. Hope that this helps! Good luck!
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February 4, 2013
Answer: Nipple inversion
Although nipple inversion is a common issue, evaluation by a physician is warranted to ensure that it is not caused by an abnormality within your breast, most worrisome, a malignancy of your breast. Given your history of spontaneous eversion without difficulty and without other signs or symptoms, your instance is likely a benign finding. A simple procedure to correct and evert your nipple is possible if you so desired. However, I would wait until breast feeding and childbearing is completed. Certainly, if it continues to progress, fails to evert with manipulation, or there is any drainage/bleeding, an examination with likely further imaging studies should be conducted urgently. Hope that this helps! Good luck!
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November 24, 2012
Answer: Nipple Inversion Thoughts...
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 24, 2012
Answer: Nipple Inversion Thoughts...
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