Concerns - Breast Cancer

Nipple Changes / Inversion

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Nipple changes, including inversion, can be concerning symptoms that warrant evaluation by a healthcare provider. Understanding what these concerns are, why they may occur, what they may indicate, and how they can be addressed is crucial for maintaining breast health and well-being. Birmingham Breast Group specialises in evaluating and addressing concerns related to nipple changes and inversion, offering comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment options.

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About This Concern

Nipple changes refer to alterations in the appearance, texture, or position of the nipples. These changes may include changes in nipple colour, shape, size, or texture, as well as the presence of discharge, crusting, or ulceration.

Nipple inversion occurs when the nipple retracts or pulls inward instead of protruding outward. It can be temporary or permanent and may affect one or both nipples. Nipple inversion can vary in severity, from mild inversion to complete retraction into the breast.

Common causes can include:

Normal Variations: Some individuals naturally have inverted nipples or variations in nipple appearance that are not indicative of underlying health concerns. In such cases, nipple changes may be considered normal variations rather than signs of pathology.

Developmental Factors: Nipple changes and inversion can result from developmental factors during puberty or adolescence. Changes in breast tissue, hormonal fluctuations, or variations in breast anatomy can affect nipple position and appearance.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause temporary nipple changes, including enlargement, darkening, or sensitivity. In some cases, breastfeeding may also lead to nipple inversion or changes in nipple texture.

Breast Trauma or Surgery: Trauma to the breast, previous breast surgery, or breast implants can alter breast tissue and affect nipple position or appearance. Scar tissue formation or damage to the milk ducts may contribute to nipple changes or inversion.

Breast Cancer: While less common, nipple changes, including inversion, can sometimes be a sign of underlying breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer, in particular, may cause nipple retraction, thickening, or ulceration.

While many nipple changes are benign and not indicative of underlying health concerns, they can sometimes signal more serious issues, including:

Breast Cancer: Nipple changes, particularly inversion, crusting, ulceration, or discharge, can be signs of underlying breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer, in particular, may cause rapid changes in nipple appearance and texture.

Benign Breast Conditions: Certain benign breast conditions, such as mammary duct ectasia, ductal papillomas, or fibrocystic changes, can cause nipple changes, discharge, or inversion. While typically non-cancerous, these conditions may require evaluation and management.

Patients experiencing nipple changes or inversion receive comprehensive evaluation and care at Birmingham Breast Group. This may include:

Clinical Assessment: A detailed clinical examination is performed to assess nipple appearance, texture, position, and associated symptoms. Diagnostic imaging studies such as mammograms, ultrasound, or MRI scans may be recommended to evaluate underlying breast tissue and identify any abnormalities.

Biopsy and Pathology: If suspicious nipple abnormalities are identified, a tissue biopsy may be performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Pathology analysis can determine whether the changes are benign or indicative of breast cancer, guiding further treatment decisions.

Multidisciplinary Care: The expert team at Birmingham Breast Group collaborates closely to develop personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. This may include medication, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other interventions as necessary.

Reconstructive Surgery: In cases of severe nipple inversion or cosmetic concerns, reconstructive surgery may be recommended to restore nipple projection and improve breast aesthetics. Surgical options may include nipple reconstruction, nipple grafting, or nipple-sparing mastectomy with nipple-areola complex preservation.

Nipple changes and inversion can be concerning symptoms that require evaluation by a healthcare provider. At Birmingham Breast Group, patients can expect compassionate care, thorough evaluation, and personalised treatment options to address nipple changes and ensure the best possible outcomes. By recognizing the potential causes of nipple changes, seeking timely medical attention, and partnering with expert healthcare providers, individuals can take proactive steps to protect and preserve their breast health.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

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Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
View More Reviews

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