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Are nipple changes in 20's normal?
jc241 posted:
Hi
I'm a healthy 24 year old woman. My question is about nipple changes. I've noticed that I think my areolas have gotten slightly bigger and my nipples stand up or do not at random times.
Like this morning when I was in a hot shower, my nipples seemed to stand up even though it was warm. And then one will go down and the other may stay up a little longer.
I saw my doctor a few months ago and had a breast exam, she said everything looked and felt normal to her. But it's just strange because I'm the one who sees my breasts everyday, so it's more obvious to me.
I've read that changes in nipples i.e., one stands up more often than the other, changes in sensitivity, etc. can be a less common sign of a tumor in the milk duct. I know I'm young, but you can never be too careful....
Are breast changes at this stage in life normal? Could out of whack hormones cause this to happen?
I'm a healthy 24 year old woman. My question is about nipple changes. I've noticed that I think my areolas have gotten slightly bigger and my nipples stand up or do not at random times.
Like this morning when I was in a hot shower, my nipples seemed to stand up even though it was warm. And then one will go down and the other may stay up a little longer.
I saw my doctor a few months ago and had a breast exam, she said everything looked and felt normal to her. But it's just strange because I'm the one who sees my breasts everyday, so it's more obvious to me.
I've read that changes in nipples i.e., one stands up more often than the other, changes in sensitivity, etc. can be a less common sign of a tumor in the milk duct. I know I'm young, but you can never be too careful....
Are breast changes at this stage in life normal? Could out of whack hormones cause this to happen?
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Are nipple changes in 20's normal?Hi<br />I'm a healthy 24 year old woman. My question is about nipple changes. I've noticed that I think my areolas have gotten slightly bigger and my nipples stand up or do not at random times.<br /> <br />Like this morning when I was in a hot shower, my nipples seemed to stand up even though it was warm. And then one will go down and the other may stay up a little longer. <br /> <br />I saw my doctor a few months ago and had a breast exam, she said everything looked and felt normal to her. But it's just strange because I'm the one who sees my breasts everyday, so it's more obvious to me. <br /> <br />I've read that changes in nipples i.e., one stands up more often than the other, changes in sensitivity, etc. can be a less common sign of a tumor in the milk duct. I know I'm young, but you can never be too careful....<br /> <br />Are breast changes at this stage in life normal? Could out of whack hormones cause this to happen?
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear jc241: Hormones tend to impact tenderness/sensitivity of breasts and/or nipples. They tend not to impact nipple erection that comes and goes. Nipple erection is from a muscle contraction which can be triggered by a physical sensation (eg touch) or even from general arousal where touch has not occurred.
A ductogram is an invasive procedure which can be used to identify a mass within a duct. These are usually done when a mass has been previously identified by imaging studies (eg mammogram). Before age 30 (because breast tissue is so dense) ultrasound tends to be used if a breast mass is present. Another trigger to screen would be nipple discharge coming from just one duct--especially if that discharge contains blood.
I would urge you to return to your GYN and express your concern about a ductal carcinoma. There may be something in your family history, or some current symptom, which would increase your risk. I never say never, although ductal cancer is much less common in one's early 20's.
Yours,
Jane
A ductogram is an invasive procedure which can be used to identify a mass within a duct. These are usually done when a mass has been previously identified by imaging studies (eg mammogram). Before age 30 (because breast tissue is so dense) ultrasound tends to be used if a breast mass is present. Another trigger to screen would be nipple discharge coming from just one duct--especially if that discharge contains blood.
I would urge you to return to your GYN and express your concern about a ductal carcinoma. There may be something in your family history, or some current symptom, which would increase your risk. I never say never, although ductal cancer is much less common in one's early 20's.
Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Are nipple changes in 20's normal?Dear jc241: Hormones tend to impact tenderness/sensitivity of breasts and/or nipples. They tend not to impact nipple erection that comes and goes. Nipple erection is from a muscle contraction which can be triggered by a physical sensation (eg touch) or even from general arousal where touch has not occurred.<br /><br />A ductogram is an invasive procedure which can be used to identify a mass within a duct. These are usually done when a mass has been previously identified by imaging studies (eg mammogram). Before age 30 (because breast tissue is so dense) ultrasound tends to be used if a breast mass is present. Another trigger to screen would be nipple discharge coming from just one duct--especially if that discharge contains blood.<br /><br />I would urge you to return to your GYN and express your concern about a ductal carcinoma. There may be something in your family history, or some current symptom, which would increase your risk. I never say never, although ductal cancer is much less common in one's early 20's.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
jc241 replied to Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP's response:
Hi Jane,
Thank you for your reply. No family history of breast cancer, or any kind of cancer for that matter. No nipple discharge. And as I mentioned, I saw my GYN in mid March and had a full breast exam, she said everything looked and felt normal.
My annual exam is in September. Based on the above info., do you think there is any concern to be screened again prior to September? As you noted, I'm young--age 24.
Thanks for your advice.
My annual exam is in September. Based on the above info., do you think there is any concern to be screened again prior to September? As you noted, I'm young--age 24.
Thanks for your advice.
Report This| Share this:Are nipple changes in 20's normal?Hi Jane,
Thank you for your reply. No family history of breast cancer, or any kind of cancer for that matter. No nipple discharge. And as I mentioned, I saw my GYN in mid March and had a full breast exam, she said everything looked and felt normal.<br><br>My annual exam is in September. Based on the above info., do you think there is any concern to be screened again prior to September? As you noted, I'm young--age 24. <br><br>Thanks for your advice.
Dear jc24: Thanks for the additional information. It's very dicey to give someone direct instructions about when to see their own healthcare provider. Information to help you make that kind of decision I can offer. If someone has a symptom(s) which persist and especially if they increase I will usually say "You really should get checked out." So while your symptoms of intermittent nipple erection and possible enlargement of the areolas do not scream breast cancer, if those symptoms persist or seem to be worsening it is worth the peace of mind to get a quick check by your GYN prior to your scheduled September annual exam.
Yours,
Jane
Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Are nipple changes in 20's normal?Dear jc24: Thanks for the additional information. It's very dicey to give someone direct instructions about when to see their own healthcare provider. Information to help<u> you</u> make that kind of decision I can offer. If someone has a symptom(s) which persist and especially if they increase I will usually say "You really should get checked out." So while your symptoms of intermittent nipple erection and possible enlargement of the areolas do not scream breast cancer, if those symptoms persist or seem to be worsening it is worth the peace of mind to get a quick check by your GYN prior to your scheduled September annual exam.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
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