I have an inverted nipple and I want to know who to consult about it?

Question

Also does this mean I have breast cancer? I had had an inverted nipple for about 6 years now, I recognised when I was more aware of myself physically, but it is only on one breast. I've been scared of going to see a doctor for the reason of cancer floating around on the internet. Also, I am unaware who or which kind of doctor I should be consulting (gynaecologist, physician ?). Could you tell me the best way to proceed?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  It is always wise to have a physician assess your breasts for any acute changes that may take place.  That said, if your inverted nipple has been present for 6 years it is unlikely to be the result of cancer, and I would see a plastic surgeon for an in-person examination.  Correction can be performed with a small in-office procedure.  Hope this helps.

Paul M. Steinwald, MD · Answer

. . . if this has indeed been present for years, is not associated with a recent change such as nipple drainage or bleeding (or underlying mass), and you don't have a strong family history of breast cancer.  Very reasonable to start with an assessment by a plastic surgeon (who can fix these things fairly simply, often as a local-anesthesia procedure), but if any of the other above conditions apply (and/or you're due for a mammogram, have that done as well), and have an assessment with a breast (oncology) surgeon, if not at least your OB-GYN who does regular exams and knows your history well . . . better to have early assessment/intervention that to discover a more advanced problem later, but again, probably benign and easily treated (hope so!)

Scott Thellman, MD · Answer

Women should always be aware of the signs of breast cancer.  A nipple that has been normal but then starts to invert doesn't necessarily mean cancer but should be checked into- examination by a breast surgeon, mammogram, etc. You can start with your primary doc or GYN and go from there.  While a younger age makes cancer less likely, it is still possible. 
Since it sounds like it's been stable for 6 years, it's unlikely that you have cancer.  The problem can be fixed with a fairly quick office procedure.  However, at the very least you should have a mammogram and evaluation before planning the procedure.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

If the nipple is inverted and it is bothersome to you, a plastic surgeon is the correct specialty to consult about correcting the problem. In most cases, if the nipple has been inverted for many years, it is unlikely to be caused by breast cancer.  However, you should have it examined by a physician.  Our practice routinely performs surgical correction of inverted nipples.  The procedure can be performed with local anesthesia and takes about a half an hour to perform and consultations for this problem are free of charge.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

I have an inverted nipple and I want to know who to consult about it?

Answers (4)

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