Inverted nipples

Introduction The female nipple does not protrude from the surface of the areola, and even the depression sinks to the surface of the skin, and the part is like a crater. This condition is called nipple retraction. The incidence of female nipple retraction is 1-2%. The degree of nipple retraction on both sides can be inconsistent, can occur on only one side, and is a common female disease. The nipple is deeply trapped in the areola, not only indecent appearance, but also due to the accumulation of dirt or oil due to the depressed nipple, causing itching, eczema or inflammation. Severe invagination makes it difficult for babies to suck breast milk. Give patients the inconvenience of life and psychological depression. Most of the nipple retraction is a congenital malformation, and there are also acquired causes such as nipple breast infection (mastitis).

Cause

Clinical observation of nipple retraction is mostly congenital malformation, but also the causes of acquired diseases such as nipple breast infection (mastitis), trauma, tumor, surgery (large breast reduction surgery). Congenital nipple retraction is often due to poor muscle development in the nipple and areola. The nipple contains openings of 10-20 mammary ducts surrounded by smooth muscle wraps with areola muscle extensions. The smooth muscles extend to the dermis of the nipple, and these muscle bundles are pulled inward, causing the nipple to retract. Some are caused by dysplasia of the mammary gland, and the breast tube fails to be catheterized, but a solid cord pulls. Some are lack of support organizations for deep nipples.

an examination

Related inspection

Breast palpation breast examination

The degree of nipple depression varies from person to person. The lighter only shows different degrees of nipple retraction. The nipple can be squeezed out by hand, or the nipple can be protruded from the body surface by suction. The heavy ones appear to be completely submerged in the leather surface and cannot be squeezed out, often in reverse growth. Of course, these invaginated nipples are generally finer even if they are squeezed out. Often there is no obvious nipple neck. The depth of the inset can be divided into three categories:

1. For some nipple retraction, the nipple neck exists, can be easily squeezed out, and the nipple size is similar to that of ordinary people after extrusion.

2. The nipple is completely sunken in the areola, but the nipple can be squeezed out by hand, the nipple is smaller than normal, and most of them have no nipple neck.

3. The nipple is completely buried under the areola, and the invaginated nipple cannot be squeezed out.

Differential diagnosis

There is no obvious reason for acquired nipple retraction, especially unilateral retraction, should be alert to the occurrence of breast cancer.

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