Breast Changes

See a doctor or a health-care professional right away if you notice changes in your breasts as described in the table. You should consult your doctor even if you have recently had a mammogram and the result was normal.

Breast changes

Nipple changes

  • A lump in the breast
  • The skin of a breast has an inward fold (retraction)
  • The skin of one breast is wrinkled
  • One breast is red, and the redness covers at least a third of it
  • Sudden nipple discharge
  • A nipple that points inward into the breast
  • The skin of the nipple changes in appearance or texture (for example, it may look like eczema but doesn’t heal)

In such cases, a screening mammogram might not be the right exam for you. A doctor or health-care professional will advise you on the best procedure for your condition.