Question:

Are inverted nipples a sign of breast cancer?

Answer from OB-GYN Jennifer Griffin Miller, MD:

Inverted nipples can be normal. Some women are born with them, and others notice inversion at puberty. If you don’t normally have inverted nipples and they become inverted, particularly if one nipple becomes inverted out of the blue, you should see your primary care provider. They can determine if you need further evaluation and refer you to a breast specialist. 

Possible causes for a nipple inversion include:

1. Infection behind the nipple.

2. Duct ectasia, which is caused by thicker secretions that occur most often around the time of menopause.

3. Breast cancer growing behind the nipple.

If you have an infection, there’s often more significant pain involved. If you notice redness, pain or drainage from the breast, you should see your doctor for treatment.

If your nipples have always been inverted, there’s no medical reason to have them corrected. When breastfeeding, you may have more difficulty with lactation or getting the baby to latch properly. However, surgery on the nipple can interfere with milk production and lactation. Instead, a lactation consultant can help if inverted nipples are making it harder to breastfeed.