Areola Changes: Is Your Nipple Normal or Cause for Concern?

The area above the nipple, specifically the areola, appears to be indented?

I have gynecomastia and I felt a small, round mass with clear borders inside the upper left part of the areola of my right nipple.
When I look down, it seems like the areola on the right side is slightly indented, but I'm not sure if it's an illusion.
I would like to know if this indentation is something that is normal for most people.
I'm unclear whether the areola appears more indented or if it's just due to the prominence of the nipple.
Is there a need for further examination? I have no other unusual symptoms, and when the nipple is stimulated and becomes erect, the indentation is completely not noticeable.

A-Liang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/10

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid

In males of this age, gynecomastia is often related to obesity, and there is no need to be overly concerned about whether the skin on the areola is smooth or has irregularities; these are generally not significant issues.

Reply Date: 2021/06/10

More Info

When it comes to changes in the areola and nipple, especially in the context of gynecomastia (male breast tissue enlargement), it’s important to understand that variations in the appearance of the nipple and areola can be quite common and often benign. However, any noticeable changes can understandably cause concern, particularly if they are new or accompanied by other symptoms.

In your case, you mentioned feeling a small, round mass within the areola and observing a slight indentation or "dimpling" in the area. It’s worth noting that the areola can have natural variations in texture and contour. The appearance of a dimple or indentation can sometimes be due to the anatomical structure of the breast tissue, where the nipple may protrude slightly, creating an optical illusion of a dimpled areola. This is especially true when the nipple is stimulated or becomes erect, as you noted that the appearance changes when the nipple is stimulated.

The presence of a small, well-defined lump within the areola can also be a common finding. In many cases, these lumps can be benign conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas, which are non-cancerous growths. However, since you have a history of gynecomastia, it is essential to monitor any changes closely. Gynecomastia itself can be associated with hormonal imbalances, and while it is usually harmless, it can sometimes be indicative of underlying health issues.

Given that you do not have any other concerning symptoms—such as pain, discharge, or changes in skin texture—it is likely that what you are experiencing is benign. However, it is always prudent to err on the side of caution when it comes to breast health. If the lump changes in size, shape, or if you develop any new symptoms, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation.

In terms of further examination, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider who specializes in breast health. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to assess the lump further. An ultrasound can help differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, providing more clarity on the nature of the lump. If there are any concerns based on the ultrasound findings, a biopsy may be suggested to rule out any malignancy.

In summary, while the changes you are observing in your areola and nipple may be normal variations, it is essential to remain vigilant. Regular self-examinations and consultations with a healthcare provider can help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. If you have any doubts or if the appearance of your breast changes significantly, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and proactive monitoring is key to maintaining breast health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Normal and Abnormal Breast Changes: Nipple and Areola Concerns

It is common to perform self-examinations of the breast, but recently I noticed that when my nipples are protruding, there are wrinkled areas surrounding the areola next to the nipple. Is this normal? When my nipples are not protruding, this does not occur.

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
It might be related to your menstrual cycle. The symptoms that sometimes appear and then return to normal could be due to this.

Understanding Changes in Nipple and Areola: Causes and When to Seek Help

The skin of my areola seems a bit wrinkled and thinner, and my nipple appears to be inverted. What could be the reason for this? When I lift my breast, the nipple does not appear inverted, and it also becomes erect when I pull on it. I have breastfed before; could this be due to ...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
At 38 years old, you shouldn't be too concerned about breast sagging based on your description; it actually sounds quite normal. If you're still feeling uneasy, it would be a good idea to get a breast ultrasound for peace of mind.

Unusual Bumps on Areola: Should You Be Concerned?

Hello doctor, I have been troubled by this issue for a long time. I have something that looks like pimples on my areola, which protrudes along with my nipple. If my nipple is not erect, they do not appear and are level with the skin. Is this a normal phenomenon? Should I see a gy...

Dr. Wu Jianting reply Breast and Thyroid
The raised sebaceous glands on the areola are called Montgomery glands, which are somewhat similar to acne. If you have any questions, you can consult a breast surgeon. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding Areola Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello Doctor: I have noticed white patches on my areola that resemble Montgomery glands but are not the size of a grain of rice. They extend from around the nipple to the areola, but there are no other abnormalities, no itching, or any other symptoms. However, when I looked in th...

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid
I think the issue is not serious, but it's still a good idea to have it checked by a breast specialist.