Skin or nipple changes or other breast problems

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Skin or nipple changes or other breast problems

Breast problems include:

A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.
Nipple discharge.
Skin changes, such as a dimple or pucker in the skin of the breast.
A nipple that is drawn inward (retraction or inversion).
Scaling or crusting of the nipple.
A change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast or the darker area around the nipple (areola).

These types of changes do not always mean there is a serious problem. Skin irritation could be the cause of scaling or crusting of a nipple. However, it is important to determine the reason for a change. These changes could also be signs of breast cancer.

Every woman should be aware of new breast changes. If you have noticed a change in your breast, a visit to a health professional is needed to check these changes.

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	November 3, 2007

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Last updated:	November 03, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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