Does breast inversion necessarily mean breast cancer?

This is the 4800th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Have you found a small dent on your breast? Don’t be afraid, it could be breast cancer, or it could just be a false alarm! What exactly is this “small dent” that makes us so nervous? Let’s find out together!

Conclusion first

Breast inversion does not necessarily mean breast cancer!

1. Definition of Breast Inversion

Breast inversion is a depression or sunken area on the surface of the breast, which may be caused by loss of fatty tissue or compression or contraction and traction of breast tissue, resulting in a sunken, uneven appearance.

2. Causes of Breast Recession

(1) Breast cancer

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor that affects the ligaments of the breast. The ligaments pull the surrounding breast skin, nipple, and areola, resulting in a depression that looks like a dimple, known as the dimple sign, which is one of the signs of breast cancer. Pay attention to observe whether there are other changes in the breast. If you find a lump that is difficult to move, nipple discharge, hard nodules on the skin, or changes in the skin like orange peel, you should be alert to the possibility of breast cancer.

(2) Less breast tissue

Some people are born with less soft tissue under their breasts or nipples, or due to trauma, local fat liquefaction, lack of support on the surface of the breasts, resulting in depression. Congenital breast depression usually does not have much impact on health, but if inflammation, eczema, etc. occur, you should seek medical treatment in time.

(3) Benign breast lesions

For example, breast duct dilatation, subcutaneous lipoma of the breast, cortical cyst, and scar can also lead to nipple inversion. In addition, personal factors can also cause breast inversion. If you wear tight or underwired underwear too early, it is easy to cause breast dysplasia, and even lead to obstruction of breast lymph flow and poor blood circulation, inducing breast diseases.

(4) After surgery:

People who have had breast surgery may also experience breast dimpling, especially near the surgical site, because surgery may result in a reduction in breast glandular tissue and scarring, which usually does not cause any health problems.

3. What to do if you find your breasts are sunken

Breast inversion not only affects appearance, but nipple inversion also increases the risk of breast disease. The inverted part is easy to harbor dirt and breed bacteria, causing infection. If the inverted nipple is forcibly pulled, it is very easy to cause breast rupture and bleeding, and even cause infection of the entire breast, greatly increasing the risk of mastitis. In addition to benign lesions, breast inversion may also be caused by breast cancer. Therefore, once breast inversion is found, you should go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible and take appropriate treatment measures.

Commonly used breast examinations include:

(1) Molybdenum target X-ray: has a high detection rate for breast cancer.

(2) Ultrasound: a non-invasive examination that can be performed repeatedly.

(3) Mammary duct endoscopy: suitable for patients with nipple discharge.

(4) Empty needle biopsy: accurate positioning and high positive rate.

4. How to prevent breast diseases

(1) Learn to do breast self-examination

It is usually performed on the 9th to 11th day after the onset of menstruation, when estrogen has less effect on the breast and breast tumors are easier to detect.

The inspection method can be simply summarized as "look first, touch second, and squeeze third".

Look : Observe the shape, contour, and skin of both breasts for any abnormalities, including skin depressions, lumps, ulcers, orange peel-like changes, eczema, and abnormal secretions.

Touch : You can stand or lie down, and use the tips of your index, middle, and ring fingers to press a fixed point on the breast and move forward in a spiral motion to feel for any lumps. If a lump is felt, you should further feel the size, softness, hardness, and mobility of the lump. At the same time, you can check whether the axillary, subclavian, and cervical lymph nodes are swollen.

Squeeze : Squeeze the nipple from one breast and observe whether there is any liquid flowing out of the nipple.

If you find any abnormalities during self-examination, you should seek medical attention immediately.

(2) Regular physical examination

In addition to breast self-examination, regular physical examinations are also crucial for screening breast diseases. There are two main examination methods: breast color ultrasound and breast mammography, which can complement each other. Experts recommend that breast mammography should be performed once a year starting at the age of 40. For people at high risk of breast cancer, it should be started at the age of 30. Early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment protect breast health.

(3) Live a healthy life, pay attention to diet and exercise

Eating at regular times and in regular amounts, enriching the diet, adding coarse grains appropriately, eating more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, supplementing vitamin D, and doing more outdoor activities and getting more sun can effectively reduce the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Proper exercise is also extremely important for preventing breast cancer. Studies have shown that more than 150 minutes of vigorous exercise per week can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.

While breast dimpling is not necessarily a sign of breast cancer, it is important to identify and address any breast abnormalities early. Perform regular self-exams to watch for any breast changes, observe for dimpling or other abnormalities, and get regular medical checkups.

Finally, remember that if you find that your breasts are dimpled, don't panic. In most cases, this is a benign condition. Although breast dimpling is not necessarily breast cancer, it should not be ignored. If you notice any abnormalities or discomfort in your breasts, please consult your doctor for evaluation and advice. Early detection of breast problems can improve treatment outcomes and protect your health.

Author: Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital

Wang Pinyan Qian Mingping