Inverted nipple
| Inverted nipple | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Breast with an inverted nipple. | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| ICD-10 | N64.5, O92.0 |
| ICD-9-CM | 611.8 |
An inverted nipple (occasionally invaginated nipple) is a condition where the nipple, instead of pointing outward, is retracted into the breast. In some cases, the nipple will be temporarily protruded if stimulated. Women and men can have inverted nipples.
The most common causes of nipple inversion include:
Around 10–20% of all women are born with this condition. Most common nipple variations that women are born with are caused by short ducts or a wide areola muscle sphincter.
Inverted nipples can also occur after sudden and major weight loss.
There are three grades of inverted nipples, defined on how easily the nipple may be protracted and the degree of fibrosis existent in the breast as well as the damage it has caused on the milk ducts.
Inverted nipple Grade 1 refers to nipples that can easily be pulled out, by using finger pressure around the areola. The Grade 1 inverted nipple maintains its projections and rarely retracts. Also, Grade 1 inverted nipples may occasionally pop up without manipulation or pressure. Milk ducts are usually not compromised and breast feeding is possible. These are "shy nipples". It is believed to have minimal or no fibrosis. There is no soft-tissue deficiency of the nipple. The lactiferous duct should be normal without any retraction.
Inverted nipple Grade 2 is the nipple which can be pulled out, though not as easily as the Grade 1 inverted nipple but which retracts after pressure is released. Breast feeding could be possible even though it is more likely to be either very difficult or impossible. Grade 2 nipples have a moderate degree of fibrosis. The lactiferous ducts are mildly retracted but do not need to be cut for the release of fibrosis. On histological examination, these nipples have rich collagenous stromata with numerous bundles of smooth muscle. Most people with this problem suffer from inverted nipples Grade 2.
Inverted nipple Grade 3 describes a severely inverted and retracted nipple which can rarely be pulled out physically and which requires surgery in order to be protracted. Milk ducts are often constricted and breast feeding is impossible. People with Grade 3 inverted nipples may also struggle with infections, rashes, or problems with nipple hygiene. The fibrosis is remarkable and lactiferous ducts are short and severely retracted. The bulk of soft tissue is markedly insufficient in the nipple. Histologically, there are atrophic terminal duct lobular units and severe fibrosis.
...
Wikipedia