Concerned about a sudden inverted nipple

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susansph
susansph Member Posts: 6
edited March 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi everyone,

I'm 28 years old with no family history of breast cancer. I'm posting because I'm worried about some symptoms I've been having lately - over the past 2 months, my left nipple has been inverting throughout the day (sometimes completely pulled in like it is being actively "sucked in"; other times it is only slightly pulled in or flat). Prior to this, I had never experienced an inverted nipple before. This has also recently been accompanied by some pain in my left breast as well as my left shoulder blade.

I scheduled an appointment with a breast surgeon, who performed an exam and sent me for an ultrasound. The doctor did not find anything concerning during the physical exam and US came back clear. It also showed that I have dense breasts.

I understand that a sudden inverted nipple could be due to multiple causes, many of which are benign. However, I've also read that it could be a early symptom of something such as IBC. The doctor was unable to give me a response as to what was causing it to be completely pulled in. I'm wondering whether I should push for more testing or just continue to monitor it to see if any other symptoms show up. Any guidance would be much appreciated! Thank you so much in advance.

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  • marie5890
    marie5890 Member Posts: 3,594
    edited February 2018

    At your age and the density of your breast tissue, I would push for an MRI. I would want to know WHY my nipple was inverting.

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  • Meg101
    Meg101 Member Posts: 175
    edited February 2018

    Hi Susan. You did the right thing by having your inverted nipple checked out. An inverted nipple was my only symptom of BC. I had no pain anywhere in my body, but the inverted nipple signaled I should get a mammogram. To make a long story short, it turned out I had a 3.5 cm tumor pulling my nipple and areola inward. I had it surgically removed along with all my lymph nodes on my left side. Three nodes tested positive for cancer as did the tumor. The tumor was hardly visible on the mammogram, but it was clear on the ultrasound. I have just finished all my treatments except for radiation which starts next week. Hopefully your nipple is inverted for a benign reason, but keep an eye on it just in case. If the areola starts to invert, go back to the doctor. A breast surgeon should be very familiar with BC. It sounds like you're in good hands and I'm sure he/she knows what to look for.

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  • susansph
    susansph Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2018

    Hi Meg. Thanks for taking the time out to share your experience. I wanted to ask what prompted you to progress further from your clean mammogram to request an ultrasound which ultimately showed the tumor? Thank you.

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  • Meg101
    Meg101 Member Posts: 175
    edited March 2018

    Hi Susan!

    It was the doctor who encouraged me to have an ultrasound because he knew that mammograms frequently miss early stage cancer. He was also concerned that my only symptom was an inverted nipple instead of a lump. Benign lumps are common, but not inverted nipples.

    The first ultrasound showed micro calcifications which he thought looked suspicious. He suggested a needle biopsy to determine if there were any cancer cells. Long story short, he found the cancer deep under the nipple area. I'm thankful the doctor was persistent. I had never met this doctor prior to this incident. I probably wouldn't have been as persistent as he was about having an ultrasound.

    You must be your own advocate. You are still quite young to have breast cancer, but with your symptom being an inverted nipple, you might want to consider another opinion and push for an ultrasound. It will cost you money for a second opinion, but it also could give you peace of mind or save your life (and breast).

    Please keep us posted. This is a great place to find support and get questions answered.

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  • susansph
    susansph Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2018

    Following my ultrasound, I was told that I have dense breasts. The ultrasound report also mentioned they found a cluster of cysts in my left breast (the same breast as I am experiencing the sudden nipple inversion in), but when I spoke to the breast surgeon, she said it is very unlikely the cysts are what is causing the nipple inversion. I was advised to follow up in 6 months.

    Since then, I have experienced a strange sensation and swelling on my left upper rib when I have my arms by my side. It is only very slightly noticeable visually, but I can definitely feel something odd on that side. Has anyone had experiences of cysts cause swelling in the upper rib area / near the underarm. Thank you.

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  • GeorgiaPeach24
    GeorgiaPeach24 Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2018

    hi I am having similar symptoms ... don’t see a surgeon til next week so now I just wait and worry.


    What do you both mean by inverted nipple? While nipple being pulled in? Could you stimulate it out?


    I noticed last week my left nipple had a dividing line through it and the top half goes flat. Not inverted but flat. Not much on google on specifics of inverted or retracted nipple in regards to cancer

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