What does a discolored areola mean?

You may first notice darkening nipples during puberty. At this time, your ovaries have begun to make the hormone estrogen. This hormonal change leads to fat accumulation within your breast tissue. As your breasts grow, your nipples may become raised and the areolae may become darker in color.

What does breast cancer discoloration look like?

Breast discoloration An early sign of inflammatory breast cancer is discoloration of the breast. A small section may appear red, pink, or purple. The discoloration can look like a bruise, so you might shrug it off as nothing serious. But breast redness is a classic symptom of inflammatory breast cancer.

Why is there discoloration on my nipples?

People see natural changes in their nipples and breasts as their bodies develop and age. Many life events, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and breast-feeding can all cause the nipples to darken.

When should I be worried about breast discoloration?

The skin may be red or purple or have a bluish tint. If a person has not experienced recent trauma to the breast to explain these changes, they should see their doctor. It is also vital to seek medical advice if breast discoloration does not disappear, even if trauma was the cause.

Why is my areola getting dark?

The main cause of darkened areolas and dark nipples are hormones. Progesterone and estrogen cause the body to produce more pigment. This is why many women see splotches and patches of darkened skin all over their bodies.

Are breast cancer lumps discolored?

The presence of cancerous cells in the breast can manifest in the form of skin discoloration. If your breasts look bruised or not quite the color they should be, it could be another symptom of breast cancer. Cancer can result in many changes to your skin, not only discoloration.

What does a breast cancer bruise look like?

An early sign of IBC is discoloration of the breast, with a section of the breast appearing red, pink, or purple in color. Discoloration can impact a third or more of the breast, according to the National Cancer Institute. The discoloration can look like a bruise, so you might shrug it off as nothing serious.

What is primary breast lymphoma?

Primary breast lymphoma is a rare entity that accounts for only 1% of malignant breast neoplasms. It is characterized by the presence of a breast lump, with or without associated regional adenopathy and without systemic involvement.

What is Mondor’s disease?

Mondor’s disease of the breast (MDB) is a rare and benign disorder of the breast. It is characterized by thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the chest wall. Clinically, it manifests as a cord-like induration of the breast area. MDB resolves spontaneously without sequela.

Why does my areola look wrinkly?

Often, wrinkled nipples are temporary, caused by changes in hormones, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for some people, even changing temperatures and sensations. Sun exposure, smoking, and other factors may also cause nipples (and the rest of the body) to wrinkle.

Are areolas a sign of breast cancer?

Breast Cancer and the Areola. Areola Irregularities Can Be Signs of Breast Cancer. More in Breast Cancer. Areolas are around the nipple in a circular area and are darker in color than the other skin of the breast. The areolas can vary in size and shape, including round or oval shapes.

Why do I have a lump under my areola?

There are many potential culprits for lumps under your areola, and most of them are not cancer. The most common option is that you have fibrocystic breasts, which is a really normal change many breasts go through, often right before you get your period.

Why do areolas change color and size?

The areolas protect the breasts from irritation and cracking skin; this can be caused by saliva spread from an infant breastfeeding or from leftover milk residue. Areolas can change in color or size for many reasons, many of which are completely harmless. However, some changes are indicative of breast cancer.

Can skin cancer cause itchy areola skin?

Certain skin cancers include itchy skin in their symptoms, although in these cases you would also have more visible signs (such as flaky or scaly skin). All skin has the potential to get dry and flaky, and areola skin is not exempt from this situation.