Breast nipples and the 5 most common problems with them

The nipple is usually surrounded by a dark area of ​​skin called the areola. The nipples of women function to produce breast milk. In addition, the nipples also function to stimulate sexual arousal. What are the disorders or problems that can occur in the nipples?

Various disorders and problems that commonly occur in the nipple

Disorders of the nipples are not only common in women, but can also affect men. In fact, some nipple disorders can be linked to breast cancer.

Symptoms of nipple disorders

Below are some of the symptoms of breast disorders that require medical attention, including:

• Rash on the nipple. If a rash appears on the nipples that doesn't go away after a week, you should consult a doctor immediately..
• Discharge from the nipple: the discharge from the nipple can be milky white, clear, yellowish / greenish, until it bleeds. To find out the cause, further examination is needed. This condition can be caused by many things such as tumors, cancer, or the use of certain drugs.
• Inverted nipples: This condition can occur in one or both nipples and is considered normal if it occurs during puberty. However, if it occurs after puberty, this condition needs to be consulted by a doctor. An ingrown nipple can be a sign of a breast tumor or cancer.
• Painful nipples: The nipples contain many sensitive nerves. Usually, just before menstruation, the nipples will feel sore and are more sensitive. However, if the pain does not go away, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor immediately.
• Grows hair on the nipples. This condition is actually not classified as a serious health problem and does not require medical treatment. However, if hair growth is too extreme, consult a doctor immediately, as this condition indicates a hormonal imbalance.

The cause?

Disorders or health problems in the nipples can be triggered and caused by the following:

• Pregnancy.
• Infection.
• Benign tumor.
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
• Ectasia (widening of the milk outlet).
• Tumor of the pituitary gland.
• Paget's disease, a rare breast cancer.
• There is a strong friction or impact on the breast.
• The breasts are under excessive pressure.

Nipple abnormalities can also occur in newborns. Some newborns can experience milk discharge from the nipples. This condition is caused during pregnancy, the baby also absorbs the mother's hormones that produce milk. This condition is not classified as dangerous and will go away on its own.

How to diagnose it

Nipple disorders can be diagnosed through several screening methods. Previously, the doctor will ask several questions regarding the patient's condition, such as:

• Treatment that has been done before.
• Have there been any changes in the patient's diet?
• Is the patient pregnant?
• Does the patient do activities that can trigger nipple disorders?

Screening methods for diagnosing nipple disorders

• Ductography: This is a method by injecting a dye into the patient's nipple. Next will be x-ray to observe the condition of the nipple duct. This method is usually used to diagnose nipple discharge.
• Mammogram: an image scanning technique to see the condition of the breast tissue. Usually used to detect tumors or breast cancer.
• Biopsy: This method is usually used to diagnose Paget's disease of the breast. A biopsy is done by taking a sample of the breast skin and then examined in a laboratory.

The doctor may also recommend other methods such as a blood prolactin level test, thyroid hormone test, CT scan , and MRI scan if necessary.

Medical treatment needed to treat nipple problems

The medical treatment for nipple disorders depends on the type and cause. Some medical treatments that can be done according to the cause include:

• Infection: A nipple infection can be treated depending on the type of infection causing it.
  • Nipple disorders caused by bacterial infection can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.
  • Nipple disorders caused by yeast infection can be treated with antifungal drugs.
• Benign tumors in the breast: In most cases, benign tumors can be treated through surgical procedures and routine examinations.
• Nipple disorders caused by hypothyroidism: This condition can be treated with certain types of medication. These drugs will replace the function of hormones that the thyroid gland has failed to produce.
• Nipple disorders caused by ectasia: A surgical procedure may be needed if the swelling in the milk ducts is severe and doesn't go away for a long time.
• Nipple disorders caused by tumors of the pitutiari gland (prolactinoma): This condition is actually harmless and does not require medical treatment. However, if the tumor grows larger and out of control, surgical procedures and radiation therapy may be required.
• Breast disorders caused by Paget's disease:
  • If not accompanied by a tumor: medical treatment is to remove the nipple and areola of the breast and radiation therapy.
  • If accompanied by a tumor: medical treatment is a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast)

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

x