From the Guidelines
Increased nipple sensitivity alone is not typically a sign of breast cancer or a breast mass. Nipple sensitivity can be caused by many benign conditions including hormonal changes during menstration, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause. It can also result from friction from clothing, skin irritation, or infection. Breast cancer symptoms more commonly include a painless lump, nipple discharge (especially if bloody), nipple retraction or inversion, skin changes like dimpling or redness, or changes in breast size or shape.
Key Points to Consider
- If you experience persistent nipple sensitivity along with any of these other symptoms, or if the sensitivity is only in one breast and persists beyond your menstrual cycle, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.
- While most cases of nipple sensitivity are benign, any concerning or persistent breast changes should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious conditions.
- Regular breast self-exams and scheduled mammograms (typically starting at age 40 or as recommended by your doctor) remain important for early detection of breast cancer.
- According to the study by Seltzer et al 1, the risk for malignancy increases with age, and in a study by Morrogh and King, 57% of men presenting with nipple discharge were found to have underlying malignancy.
- The American College of Radiology recommends mammography as the first-line imaging modality for evaluation of pathologic nipple discharge in male and female patients 1.
- Breast MRI has high sensitivity for detecting invasive breast cancer and may be considered in cases where mammography and US have failed to identify an underlying cause of pathologic nipple discharge 1.
From the Research
Relationship Between Nipple Sensitivity and Breast Cancer or Mass
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links increased nipple sensitivity to breast cancer or mass 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, studies suggest that nipple discharge can be a symptom of underlying breast lesions, including cancer 2, 5.
- A study found that breast MRI can be useful in detecting lesions requiring excision in patients with suspicious nipple discharge and negative mammogram and ultrasound 2.
- Another study found that clinical breast exams and breast self-exams can detect breast cancers, but there is no significant difference between the two in identifying cancer or positive ultrasound findings 3.
- The sensitivity of mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging in detecting small breast cancers has been compared, with MRI showing high sensitivity 4.
- A study evaluated the necessity of additional breast ultrasound in the setting of negative mammogram for breast pain and found that it may be unnecessary in patients with breast pain alone, but important in patients with additional symptoms such as palpable concern or nipple discharge 5.
- Factors that affect the sensitivity of clinical breast examination, such as tumor size, body weight, and age, have been studied, but none of these studies directly address the relationship between nipple sensitivity and breast cancer or mass 6.