An inverted nipple that points inward or lies flat instead of pointing outward can be a sign of breast cancer. However, inverted nipples can be completely harmless, or other conditions can cause them.
Typically, an inverted nipple associated with breast cancer happens when a tumor attacks a milk duct behind the nipple, causing the skin to pull inward, or when cancer cells affect the nipple itself. This symptom usually comes on suddenly and may accompany other breast changes.
This article discusses inverted nipples and treatment options due to breast cancer or other conditions.
What Is an Inverted Nipple?
An inverted nipple points inward toward your breast. It can also retract, meaning it lies flat against your areola, the circular area of pigmented skin around the nipple.
Men and women can have or develop an inverted nipple on one or both breasts. It is typically something you are born with. About 2% of nipples are inverted.
Inverted nipples are classified as:
- Grade 1: The nipple can be pulled out with your fingers and stay outward for a couple of minutes but then return to their inverted position.Grade 2: The nipple can be pulled outward but will return inward when you let it go.Grade 3: The nipple is deeply inverted and can’t be pulled outward with your fingers.
Is an Inverted Nipple a Symptom of Breast Cancer?
An inverted nipple can be a sign of breast cancer. This is especially true if the inversion comes on suddenly and it’s a new occurrence.
If your healthcare provider suspects breast cancer, you may need to undergo certain tests, such as a mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or biopsy (removing a sample of tissue for analysis in a lab), to determine if the symptom is due to cancer or a benign condition.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast
Nipple inversion is sometimes a symptom of a rare type of breast cancer called Paget’s disease, which develops on the skin of the nipple and areola. People with Paget’s disease usually also have ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer inside the same breast.
Paget’s disease is often mistaken for eczema and causes other symptoms, such as:
- Red, dry, crusty, or flaky skin around the nipple
- Itching and burning
- Nipple discharge that appears bloody or yellow
Breast Cancer That Invades the Milk Ducts
The nipple might reverse its direction and cause an inversion if breast cancer cells make their way into the milk ducts located behind the nipple.
Some other breast cancer symptoms to watch for that may accompany nipple inversion include:
- A lump or area of thickening in your breast
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Changes in the size or shape of your breast
- Skin changes in the breast, such as dimpling or redness
Treatments and Management of an Inverted Nipple
An inverted nipple that isn’t caused by a medical condition usually doesn’t require treatment. However, if healthcare providers discover that an inverted nipple is due to cancer, treatments may include:
Other Causes of Inverted Nipple
Inverted nipples don’t always signify cancer. You can be born with them, or they can result from other conditions, such as:
Infections
Aging or sagging breasts
Surgical procedures
An injury to the breast
Breastfeeding
Mammary duct ectasia (a condition that causes milk ducts to widen and thicken)
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Hormone therapy
Targeted therapy or immunotherapy
The treatments will depend on the type of breast cancer, how advanced it is, and other factors.
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
You should see your healthcare provider any time you notice breast changes, including an inverted nipple or any of the following:
Treating Noncancerous Inverted Nipples
If a nipple is inverted due to an infection, antibiotics may be necessary. There are also cosmetic procedures available to improve the appearance and function of the nipple. Some women perform specific exercises or use suction devices to help “pop” their nipples out, so they can effectively breastfeed.
- A breast lump
- Nipple discharge or any nipple changes
- Skin redness, swelling, flaking, or dimpling
- Itching or burning of the breast
- Pain in the breast
- Change in the shape or size of the breast
Summary
An inverted nipple can be a sign of breast cancer, but other conditions can cause it. If a nipple suddenly becomes inverted, it’s more likely that cancer is the culprit. Other breast symptoms, such as a lump or skin changes, may be warning signs of breast cancer. If an inverted nipple is caused by breast cancer, you will need to treat the cancer as soon as possible. The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcome.
A Word From Verywell
You should see your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your breasts, including inverted nipples. While inverted nipples can be due to other conditions, your provider might need to rule out breast cancer. Even if you think it’s nothing, you should get it checked out. It’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people have inverted nipples without cancer?
- About 2% of people are born with inverted nipples. Most people with inverted nipples are born with them or develop them slowly over time. It’s less common for inverted nipples to be associated with cancer.
- Do inverted nipples happen with age?
- Yes. As you age, you’re more likely to develop inverted nipples. They are common in people with sagging breasts.
- Is sudden nipple inversion a sign of breast cancer?
- Yes. Sudden nipple inversion is more concerning than nipple inversion that comes on slowly or that you’ve had since birth.
About 2% of people are born with inverted nipples. Most people with inverted nipples are born with them or develop them slowly over time. It’s less common for inverted nipples to be associated with cancer.
Yes. As you age, you’re more likely to develop inverted nipples. They are common in people with sagging breasts.
Yes. Sudden nipple inversion is more concerning than nipple inversion that comes on slowly or that you’ve had since birth.
