For a couple of years my right breast nipple changed from its original form to what you see on the photo. I was concerned and asked my doctor if this was normal. My last 2 mammograms had come back negative. My doctor said post-menopause a woman's body changes and this inverted nipple could be the result of atrophy. I really hoped she was correct. I didn't do self exams, I wasn't really sure of what to feel for when checking. Sometimes when getting dressed I tried to encourage my nipple to come back to it's original shape but I was always unsuccessful. I remember asking the tech when receiving my mammogram if she had seen a nipple like mine, she said yes frequently. I couldn't get my nipple out of my mind. After doing many searches on the internet, all of which said if you notice any changes in your breast it could mean, but most likely not, that you could have breast cancer. Even though it wasn't time for my annual mammogram I made an appointment with my physician. I explained I didn't want to go the rest of my life wondering why my nipple was inverted. She agreed to my having an MRI, especially since she said I had very dense breast. My MRI came back showing I had a tumor. I saw a breast surgeon, had a core needle biopsy, the diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma. It was estrogen receptive, stage 2, and thankfully slow growing. Thank goodness for that because it had been growing for two years. I have been on adjuvant hormone therapy since April 2014 and will be making a decision soon when to have surgery. I will hopefully be able to have a lumpectomy since the therapy has shrunk the tumor somewhat, and considerably the enhancement surrounding the tumor I am very grateful for being an advocate for myself. We know ourselves when something just seems wrong. My hope is that if you notice breast changes you won't ignore them...even if told all is ok. Don't be afraid to speak up!

Anonymous
Sahuarita, AZ