Nipple Pain Causes | Brooklyn Gynecology Services
Nipples are considered as the most erogenous zones of the female body. These high sensitive areas are easily stimulated, but also easily irritated. There are many different causes of nipple pain.
Nipple problems are often in women. Many nipple problems are not related to breast cancer, but they could indicate a serious underlying condition.
Nipple Pain Causes
- Wearing tight underwear and non-fitting bras
- Vigorous sexual activity
- Repeated friction while jogging
- Infections of the breast – often occur in cases when the nipple was firstly traumatized. Nipple pain in these cases is often accompanied with high fever. Antibiotics and a proper personal hygiene are always recommended in these cases.
- Paget’s disease – occurs in cases when the breast cancer invades and spreads to the nipple and areola. The areola and nipple are often swollen, red in color and painful. This is all due to a blockage of the small lymphatic channels which drain the fluid from the areola. The blocking of the small lymphatic channels is caused by a rapid proliferation of the cancer cells.
- Breastfeeding – could cause pain in the nipples. The pain is usually due to nipple vasospasm or any trauma of the nipple during breastfeeding. Changes in the saliva during teething of the baby could result in nipple pain.
- Allergies
- Hormonal changes – which are normal every month in a female’s organism can cause nipple pain or even breast pain.
Possible Breast Diseases
Other possible signs and symptoms that can accompany the pain in the nipple area, and that can suggest any possible disease that affect the breast, include:
- Bleeding from the nipple
- Nipple discharge
- Breast lump
- Breast tenderness
- Change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
- Hardened area within the breast
- Rash or sore on the breast or nipple
- Redness, warmth or swelling
- Retracted nipple
- Skin discoloration, etc.
If you notice any difference in the nipples or in the breast area you should consult with your physician immediately. It can be something harmless, but there is always the possibility for something more serious, like breast cancer. Consult your physician immediately in cases when a nipple discharge is present. The nipple discharge could be brownish, bloody or it could be even pus.
Nipple Pain and Nipple Discharge Treatment Options
The treatment of the nipple pain depends from its cause.
Abrasive trauma to the nipples should heel on its own in a few days.
In cases with infection of the nipple antibiotics, antifungal and any other appropriate medication are necessary.
In cases with small noncancerous tumors, regular check-ups are necessary. Usually these types of tumors are not removed.
In cases with Paget’s disease of the breast and nipple the treatment will depend on how much the tumor has spread into the breast or into the other surrounding areas. If no other tumors are found, treatment includes surgery to remove the nipple and areola. After surgery a series of radiation treatments are usually necessary. In cases when other tumors are found, a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) is performed.