Differential Diagnosis for Circumferential Nipple Retraction
- Single most likely diagnosis
- A. Cancer (Ca): The most common cause of circumferential nipple retraction is breast cancer, particularly invasive ductal carcinoma. Nipple retraction occurs due to the tumor's contraction and fibrosis, pulling the nipple inward.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- B. Ductasia: Duct ectasia or ductasia is a condition where the milk ducts in the breast become widened, leading to inflammation and possible nipple retraction. It's a benign condition but can cause symptoms similar to breast cancer.
- Periductal mastitis: This is an inflammatory condition that can cause nipple retraction and is often associated with smoking.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Inflammatory breast cancer: Although rare, this aggressive form of breast cancer can cause nipple retraction along with skin changes and should not be missed due to its poor prognosis.
- Paget's disease of the breast: A rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple-areola complex, causing nipple retraction, eczema-like changes, and potentially underlying ductal carcinoma.
- Rare diagnoses
- Tuberculosis of the breast: A rare condition that can cause nipple retraction among other symptoms like breast masses and discharge.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can rarely affect the breast, causing nipple retraction and other symptoms.