Nipple problems can include tenderness, skin changes, changes in shape, or discharge from the nipple portion of the breast.
This article is about nipple problems or changes in women who are not breast-feeding or who have not just had a baby (postpartum).
Alternative NamesDischarge from breasts; Milk secretions; Lactation - abnormal; Witch's milk; Galactorrhea; Inverted nipple; Nipple discharge
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsNipple tenderness or skin changes may be caused by:
The likelihood of nipple discharge increases with age. It is somewhat common in women who have had at least one pregnancy or during the final weeks of pregnancy.
A milky nipple discharge is rare in men or women, but it does occur. When it occurs in men or in women who have never been pregnant, it is likely to be caused by an underlying disease. However, even then nipple discharge has many other causes that are NOT breast cancer, including:
Nipple inversion is a condition that you are born with. Nipple retraction may be caused by aging, duct ectasia, infections in the milk duct, or Breast cancer.
SymptomsBreast changes that may occur:
Changes in the shape of the nipples may include:
Nipple discharge may be:
Skin changes around the nipple may include:
The health care provider will take your medical history and perform a physical examination.
Tests that may be done to look for causes of nipple discharge:
Other tests that may be done include:
Treatment of nipple discharge caused by conditions outside of the breast include:
Abnormal findings on a mammogram or breast ultrasound will be biopsied and often removed.
Most women with breast discharge who have a normal mammogram, breast ultrasound, and physical exam can be followed safely over 1 - 2 years with a mammogram and physical exam repeated during that time.
Removing all or some of the breast ducts (called subareolar duct excision) may be done right away, or after a period of observation. Often a ductogram is done before surgery.
Steroid creams, antifungal creams, and antibiotic creams may be used to treat skin changes around the nipple.
For information on breast and nipple care while breast-feeding, see:
Expectations (prognosis)Most women with inverted nipples who give birth are able to breast-feed without complications.
In most cases nipple problems do not involve breast cancer. These problems will either go away with the right treatment, or they can be watched closely over time.
ComplicationsNipple discharge may be a symptom of breast cancer or a pituitary tumor.
Skin changes around the nipple may be caused by Paget's disease.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if:
Valea FA, Katz VL. Breast diseases: diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disease. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 15.
Leitch AM, Ashfag R. Discharges and secretions of the nipple. In: Bland KI, Copeland EM III, eds. The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Disorders. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2009:chap 4.
Gray RJ, Pockaj BA, Karstaedt PJ. Navigating murky waters: a modern treatment algorithm for nipple discharge. Am J Surg. 2007;194:850-854.
If it has always been like this it is normal for her and she should have no problems, either now or when tryiung to breastfeed a baby. The baby 'latches on' outside the areola (the dark bit) and its sucking will bring the nipple out. However if the nipple has only recently gone in then she should see a doctor as it can be a sign of a problem.
A nipple is a nipple, simple as that. The sometimes darker // pinker skin around the nipple is called the aureole.
The nipple is lateral to the sternum.
nipple bras.
Yes, each normal nipple has multiple openings.
That you decided to get a nipple piercing.
If the nipple is exposed, then yes.
Well if the piercing is done by a professional piercer you should have no problem with droopy nipples. Placement is basicly along the plain of the breast and as close to the areola as possible, using the correct gauge of jewellery (typically 14 gauge or 1.6 mm) the piercing will heal with little or no problems provided the afercare routeen is followed. Poorly placed nipple piercings (done by untrained individuals) will result in various problems, one of them being the dreaded "droopy nipples" among other problems that I have seen over 15 years in the industry.
Nipple - album - was created in 1994.
Nipple as a decimal is fat. Giggle boobie
A long breast with no nipple.
It means she has only one nipple as she was born with one nipple. and also that her parents did not like her. :)