What causes small bumps on breast skin. How to treat pimple-like spots on breasts. When should you see a doctor for breast skin changes. Is breast acne a common condition. Can breast pimples be a sign of cancer.

Understanding Breast Skin Bumps: Common Causes and Characteristics

Discovering small bumps on your breast skin can be concerning, but in most cases, these are harmless and easily treatable. Breast acne is a common occurrence, similar to acne on other parts of the body. Dr. Danika Forgach, an OB-GYN at UCHealth Women’s Care Clinic, explains that the skin on breasts is susceptible to the same issues as skin elsewhere on the body.

Are breast pimples caused by the same factors as facial acne? Indeed, breast acne typically results from one or more of these factors:

• Oily skin
• Clogged follicles
• Inflammation
• Bacteria on the skin surface

Additionally, hormonal changes, stress, diet, and certain medications can contribute to the development of breast acne. Friction between skin and clothing, especially during exercise, can exacerbate the condition.

Beyond Acne: Other Causes of Breast Skin Bumps

While acne is a common cause of breast skin bumps, other conditions can lead to similar symptoms. Dr. Stephanie Fine, a breast surgical oncologist, outlines several other potential causes:

Folliculitis: Inflamed Hair Follicles

Can hair follicles on breasts become irritated? Yes, folliculitis occurs when hair follicles on the breast or nipples become inflamed. This condition often appears as one or several red bumps and can be triggered by activities like tweezing or shaving the area.

Yeast Infections on Breast Skin

Yeast overgrowth isn’t limited to vaginal areas; it can occur on breast skin as well. These infections typically manifest as a reddish rash or pimple-like spots, often found in the crease beneath the breast. Keeping the area dry is crucial for prevention, while treatment usually involves antifungal creams or oral medications prescribed by a doctor.

Insect Bites on Breasts

How can you distinguish between acne and insect bites on breast skin? Unlike acne, insect bites are often itchy. Different insects leave distinct marks:

• Flea bites: Small red bumps in groups of three
• Mosquito bites: Puffier red or white bumps
• Spider bites: Single red swollen bump (possibly multiple if bitten more than once)

Less Common Causes of Breast Skin Changes

While rarer, other conditions can cause changes to breast skin. Dr. Stephanie Mager notes that larger spots that continue to grow in redness or produce pus may indicate an abscess. These are often caused by skin infections but can also occur in postpartum women who develop mastitis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and some cases may require drainage by a healthcare provider.

Other potential causes of non-cancerous bumps on the breast include:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Allergic reactions

Differentiating Between Breast Cancer and Benign Skin Conditions

Is it possible for breast pimples to be a sign of cancer? While breast pimples are rarely indicative of breast cancer, it’s essential to be aware of certain skin changes that may be cause for concern. Dr. Fine emphasizes that the key difference lies in the persistence of the lesion.

How do benign lesions differ from cancerous ones? Benign lesions typically change over time, often resolving on their own. For instance, most pimples eventually drain and disappear. In contrast, lesions associated with cancer tend to persist and do not improve despite several weeks of observation.

Treatment Options for Breast Skin Bumps

The appropriate treatment for breast skin bumps depends on their underlying cause. For common acne-like bumps, several home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can be effective:

1. Gentle cleansing: Use a mild, non-comedogenic soap to clean the affected area daily
2. Topical treatments: Apply over-the-counter acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
3. Warm compresses: Apply warm, damp cloths to the area to promote drainage and healing
4. Avoid tight clothing: Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction and irritation
5. Maintain hygiene: Change out of sweaty clothes promptly after exercise

For more persistent or severe cases, prescription treatments may be necessary. These could include topical or oral antibiotics, stronger acne medications, or antifungal treatments for yeast infections.

Preventive Measures for Healthy Breast Skin

While it’s not always possible to prevent breast skin bumps entirely, several practices can help maintain healthy breast skin:

• Practice good hygiene: Shower regularly, especially after sweating
• Choose appropriate clothing: Opt for breathable fabrics and well-fitting bras
• Avoid irritants: Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free skincare products
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support overall skin health
• Maintain a balanced diet: Consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E to promote skin health

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While most breast skin bumps are harmless, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Consider seeing a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent bumps that don’t improve after several weeks
• Painful or rapidly growing lesions
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Nipple discharge or inversion
• Skin changes such as dimpling or puckering
• Any lumps or masses within the breast tissue

Remember, early detection is crucial for breast health. Regular self-examinations and scheduled mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider are essential for maintaining breast health and detecting any potential issues early.

Addressing Concerns and Promoting Breast Health Awareness

Understanding the various causes of breast skin bumps can help alleviate unnecessary worry while ensuring that potentially serious issues are addressed promptly. By familiarizing yourself with common skin conditions and knowing when to seek medical advice, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining your breast health.

How often should you perform breast self-examinations? Most healthcare professionals recommend monthly self-exams, ideally a few days after your menstrual period ends when breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender. For those who don’t menstruate, choose a consistent day each month for the exam.

What should you look for during a self-examination? Pay attention to any changes in breast size, shape, or symmetry. Feel for any lumps, thickening, or hardened knots. Observe the skin for any redness, scaliness, or dimpling. Also, check your nipples for any changes in direction or discharge.

By staying informed and vigilant about your breast health, you can ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. Remember, while breast skin bumps are often benign, your health and peace of mind are paramount. Don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any doubts or concerns about changes in your breast skin or overall breast health.

Causes, Treatment, When to See a Doctor

iStock/SIphotography

You’re taking your bra off at the end of the day when you notice it: a small, red spot on your breast. It looks like a pimple, but you’re not sure—is breast acne even a thing? Or could this be a sign of something more serious, like breast cancer?

Let’s cut to the chase for a little peace of mind: Pimple-like marks on the breast are usually just that—pimples. “We often say, ‘common things are common,’” says Danika Forgach, M.D., an OB-GYN at UCHealth Women’s Care Clinic in Greeley, CO.

So what might be causing the pimples on your breast? Let’s take a deeper look at possible explanations and explore whether red spots on the breast are ever symptoms of breast cancer.

Causes

Breast Acne Causes

Acne—like the little dots your get on your back or face—is the most likely culprit for the spots on your breast. “The skin of the breast is similar to skin anywhere else, so just like you can get a pimple anywhere else on the skin, it’s very common that you can get them on the breast, too,” explains Dr. Forgach. And just like acne on other parts of your body, breast acne is likely due to one of four things: Oily skin, clogged follicles, inflammation, or bacteria on the skin surface.

Other factors contribute to breast acne, including hormonal changes, stress, diet, and certain medications, according to the Mayo Clinic. What’s more, friction between skin and other material (say, the fabric of your clothes) can exacerbate breast acne. For that reason, women who exercise frequently may be more prone to breast acne, as sweat combined with form-fitting clothing can cause the outbreak.

Other Causes

Other Causes of Breast Pimples

There are other explanations for acne-like bumps on your breasts, says Stephanie Fine, M.D., a breast surgical oncologist at University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center in Albuquerque, NM. These are several common ones:

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a condition that occurs when the hair follicles (yes, you have hair on your breasts or nipples) become irritated. This irritation appears as one or several red bumps. “A little hair follicle can get inflamed, for example, if you’ve been tweezing or shaving the area,” explains Stephanie Mager, M.D., also an OB-GYN at UCHealth Women’s Care Clinic in Greeley, CO.

Yeast Infection

Believe it or not, yeast overgrowth—often associated with vaginal discomfort—can occur on other areas of your skin, too, including your breasts. This causes a reddish rash or pimple-like spots, typically found in the crease area underneath the breast itself, says Dr. Fine. To prevent yeast overgrowth, focus on keeping the area dry (another reason why these rashes may be more common if you sweat a lot or play sports). If a yeast infection does occur, head to the doctor for an antifungal cream or oral pill.

Bug Bites

Yes, a mosquito or spider could have found its way to your breast and left a mark. You’ll be able to tell the difference between acne and a bug bite first and foremost by the itch factor: If you’re scratching, bug bites are the likely suspect. Which bug? Fleas often leave small red bumps in groups of three, while mosquito bites usually appear as puffier red or white bumps. Spider bites appear as a single red swollen bump (although there may be more than one bump if the spider bites you more than one time). The skin is typically more painful than itchy.

There are other benign, but less common, causes of changes to the skin on your breast. “If it’s a bigger spot that continues to grow in redness, or it has pus growing out of it, that can be an abscess, and that’s definitely something to get looked at,” Dr. Mager says. These are caused most often by skin infections but can also occur in the postpartum period in some women who develop mastitis (inflammation of the milk ducts of the breast). Abscesses are usually treated with antibiotics, and some may need to be drained by your health care provider, says Dr. Mager.

Other potential causes of noncancerous bumps or “pimples” on the breast include things like psoriasis, eczema, or allergic reactions, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Breast Cancer vs. Pimples

Telling the Difference Between Breast Cancer and Pimples

Breast pimples are virtually never a sign of breast cancer. Still, there are certain skin changes, called lesions, on the breast that may be cause for concern. “The most important feature to distinguish between cancer and benign problems is the history of a lesion,” explains Dr. Fine. “Benign lesions change over time, usually resolving, like most pimples that eventually drain and then disappear.”

Lesions associated with cancer, however, are persistent. “They do not go away despite a few weeks of watching,” she adds. If you have small raised or red spots on your breast that are not improving after several weeks, a trip to the doctor for examination is a good idea.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Red Spot

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of the disease where instead of tumors forming a lump, the cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin and prevent fluids from leaving the breast. In turn, this fluid buildup causes the breast to swell and become red, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Thankfully, inflammatory breast cancer is quite rare, accounting for only 1% to 5% of all breast cancer cases, according to the American Cancer Society, and a regular pimple is not a sign of this kind of cancer. Still, you’d hardly be the first to worry. “Many people mistake a localized red spot, like a pimple or a bug bite, for inflammatory breast cancer,” says Dr. Fine.

You can tell the difference by watching for certain types of skin changes. “With inflammatory breast cancer, it’s typically not a small pinpoint like a pimple is,” says Dr. Mager. “It’s more of a generalized redness and swelling of a larger area of the breast that can spread and get worse pretty quickly.” Dimpling of the skin (giving the appearance of an orange) is another sign of IBC.

Any quarter-sized area of redness on the breast—or any of the above symptoms—should be evaluated by a doctor, says Dr. Fine (as should any lump or mass felt under the skin of the breast). “Typically, if there is any suspicion that this could be a cancer, diagnostic imaging consisting of a mammogram and ultrasound are ordered by the provider and are the first step,” says Dr. Fine. “The second step might be a needle biopsy of the breast finding.”

Treatment

Breast Acne Treatment

So, say you’ve determined that the pesky red spot is really just a pimple. Or maybe you’re experiencing more severe breast acne. What can be done? “The same things that you do for acne anywhere else on your body, you can do for acne of the breast,” says Dr. Forgach. “If you have really significant acne of the breast, oral medications or topical medications may be appropriate.”

Treatment also depends on how severe the acne is, Dr. Forgach adds. For example, one or two pimples here and there are not likely something that needs medical treatment, but more severe cases may warrant medication. “And something like cystic acne of the breast can be really uncomfortable, so that would be something we would talk about in the office,” she says.

For milder cases of breast acne, these tips can help you find relief at home, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association:

• Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser and rinse with lukewarm water to help keep acne at bay. Do this twice a day and after any sweat session.

• Avoid scrubbing the skin of the breast, which may irritate it more. Also skip any exfoliants or products that may increase irritation, like scented lotions.

• Resist the urge to squeeze or pop your pimples. It’s best to let things clear on their own because picking or popping can delay healing and increase your risk of scarring.

Seeing a Doctor

When to See a Doctor

Larger areas of redness and swelling or dimpling of the skin around your breast are potentially signs of something more serious, so it’s best to schedule a doctor’s appointment right away.

But if you’re seeing just a small pimple-like spot, keep an eye on it for a week or two—it may go away on its own. Still there? “Persistence of any red lesion for over four weeks without resolution, drainage, or decreased prominence should prompt a visit to the primary care provider,” says Dr. Fine.

The bottom line? A pimple-like spot on your breast is highly unlikely to be something serious. But if your anxious brain is startin to think the worst, it’s always OK to call your doctor’s office for a check-up.

Notes: This article was originally published November 2, 2016 and most recently updated March 21, 2022.

• Yeast Infection of the Skin: Mount Sinai. (2022.) “Candida infection of the skin.” https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/candida-infection-of-the-skin
• Benign Breast Conditions: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/benign-breast-problems-and-conditions
• Inflammatory Breast Cancer: American Cancer Society. (2022.) “Inflammatory Breast Cancer. ” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer/inflammatory-breast-cancer.html
• Acne Skin Care Tips: American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2022.) “10 skin care habits that can help clear acne.” https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips

Our Review Process

Causes, Treatment, When to See a Doctor

iStock/SIphotography

You’re taking your bra off at the end of the day when you notice it: a small, red spot on your breast. It looks like a pimple, but you’re not sure—is breast acne even a thing? Or could this be a sign of something more serious, like breast cancer?

Let’s cut to the chase for a little peace of mind: Pimple-like marks on the breast are usually just that—pimples. “We often say, ‘common things are common,’” says Danika Forgach, M.D., an OB-GYN at UCHealth Women’s Care Clinic in Greeley, CO.

So what might be causing the pimples on your breast? Let’s take a deeper look at possible explanations and explore whether red spots on the breast are ever symptoms of breast cancer.

Causes

Breast Acne Causes

Acne—like the little dots your get on your back or face—is the most likely culprit for the spots on your breast. “The skin of the breast is similar to skin anywhere else, so just like you can get a pimple anywhere else on the skin, it’s very common that you can get them on the breast, too,” explains Dr. Forgach. And just like acne on other parts of your body, breast acne is likely due to one of four things: Oily skin, clogged follicles, inflammation, or bacteria on the skin surface.

Other factors contribute to breast acne, including hormonal changes, stress, diet, and certain medications, according to the Mayo Clinic. What’s more, friction between skin and other material (say, the fabric of your clothes) can exacerbate breast acne. For that reason, women who exercise frequently may be more prone to breast acne, as sweat combined with form-fitting clothing can cause the outbreak.

Other Causes

Other Causes of Breast Pimples

There are other explanations for acne-like bumps on your breasts, says Stephanie Fine, M. D., a breast surgical oncologist at University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center in Albuquerque, NM. These are several common ones:

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a condition that occurs when the hair follicles (yes, you have hair on your breasts or nipples) become irritated. This irritation appears as one or several red bumps. “A little hair follicle can get inflamed, for example, if you’ve been tweezing or shaving the area,” explains Stephanie Mager, M.D., also an OB-GYN at UCHealth Women’s Care Clinic in Greeley, CO.

Yeast Infection

Believe it or not, yeast overgrowth—often associated with vaginal discomfort—can occur on other areas of your skin, too, including your breasts. This causes a reddish rash or pimple-like spots, typically found in the crease area underneath the breast itself, says Dr. Fine. To prevent yeast overgrowth, focus on keeping the area dry (another reason why these rashes may be more common if you sweat a lot or play sports). If a yeast infection does occur, head to the doctor for an antifungal cream or oral pill.

Bug Bites

Yes, a mosquito or spider could have found its way to your breast and left a mark. You’ll be able to tell the difference between acne and a bug bite first and foremost by the itch factor: If you’re scratching, bug bites are the likely suspect. Which bug? Fleas often leave small red bumps in groups of three, while mosquito bites usually appear as puffier red or white bumps. Spider bites appear as a single red swollen bump (although there may be more than one bump if the spider bites you more than one time). The skin is typically more painful than itchy.

There are other benign, but less common, causes of changes to the skin on your breast. “If it’s a bigger spot that continues to grow in redness, or it has pus growing out of it, that can be an abscess, and that’s definitely something to get looked at,” Dr. Mager says. These are caused most often by skin infections but can also occur in the postpartum period in some women who develop mastitis (inflammation of the milk ducts of the breast). Abscesses are usually treated with antibiotics, and some may need to be drained by your health care provider, says Dr. Mager.

Other potential causes of noncancerous bumps or “pimples” on the breast include things like psoriasis, eczema, or allergic reactions, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Breast Cancer vs. Pimples

Telling the Difference Between Breast Cancer and Pimples

Breast pimples are virtually never a sign of breast cancer. Still, there are certain skin changes, called lesions, on the breast that may be cause for concern. “The most important feature to distinguish between cancer and benign problems is the history of a lesion,” explains Dr. Fine. “Benign lesions change over time, usually resolving, like most pimples that eventually drain and then disappear.”

Lesions associated with cancer, however, are persistent. “They do not go away despite a few weeks of watching,” she adds. If you have small raised or red spots on your breast that are not improving after several weeks, a trip to the doctor for examination is a good idea.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory Breast Cancer Red Spot

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of the disease where instead of tumors forming a lump, the cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin and prevent fluids from leaving the breast. In turn, this fluid buildup causes the breast to swell and become red, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Thankfully, inflammatory breast cancer is quite rare, accounting for only 1% to 5% of all breast cancer cases, according to the American Cancer Society, and a regular pimple is not a sign of this kind of cancer. Still, you’d hardly be the first to worry. “Many people mistake a localized red spot, like a pimple or a bug bite, for inflammatory breast cancer,” says Dr. Fine.

You can tell the difference by watching for certain types of skin changes. “With inflammatory breast cancer, it’s typically not a small pinpoint like a pimple is,” says Dr. Mager. “It’s more of a generalized redness and swelling of a larger area of the breast that can spread and get worse pretty quickly. ” Dimpling of the skin (giving the appearance of an orange) is another sign of IBC.

Any quarter-sized area of redness on the breast—or any of the above symptoms—should be evaluated by a doctor, says Dr. Fine (as should any lump or mass felt under the skin of the breast). “Typically, if there is any suspicion that this could be a cancer, diagnostic imaging consisting of a mammogram and ultrasound are ordered by the provider and are the first step,” says Dr. Fine. “The second step might be a needle biopsy of the breast finding.”

Treatment

Breast Acne Treatment

So, say you’ve determined that the pesky red spot is really just a pimple. Or maybe you’re experiencing more severe breast acne. What can be done? “The same things that you do for acne anywhere else on your body, you can do for acne of the breast,” says Dr. Forgach. “If you have really significant acne of the breast, oral medications or topical medications may be appropriate.”

Treatment also depends on how severe the acne is, Dr. Forgach adds. For example, one or two pimples here and there are not likely something that needs medical treatment, but more severe cases may warrant medication. “And something like cystic acne of the breast can be really uncomfortable, so that would be something we would talk about in the office,” she says.

For milder cases of breast acne, these tips can help you find relief at home, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association:

• Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser and rinse with lukewarm water to help keep acne at bay. Do this twice a day and after any sweat session.

• Avoid scrubbing the skin of the breast, which may irritate it more. Also skip any exfoliants or products that may increase irritation, like scented lotions.

• Resist the urge to squeeze or pop your pimples. It’s best to let things clear on their own because picking or popping can delay healing and increase your risk of scarring.

Seeing a Doctor

When to See a Doctor

Larger areas of redness and swelling or dimpling of the skin around your breast are potentially signs of something more serious, so it’s best to schedule a doctor’s appointment right away.

But if you’re seeing just a small pimple-like spot, keep an eye on it for a week or two—it may go away on its own. Still there? “Persistence of any red lesion for over four weeks without resolution, drainage, or decreased prominence should prompt a visit to the primary care provider,” says Dr. Fine.

The bottom line? A pimple-like spot on your breast is highly unlikely to be something serious. But if your anxious brain is startin to think the worst, it’s always OK to call your doctor’s office for a check-up.

Notes: This article was originally published November 2, 2016 and most recently updated March 21, 2022.

• Yeast Infection of the Skin: Mount Sinai. (2022.) “Candida infection of the skin.” https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/candida-infection-of-the-skin
• Benign Breast Conditions: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/benign-breast-problems-and-conditions
• Inflammatory Breast Cancer: American Cancer Society. (2022.) “Inflammatory Breast Cancer.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer/inflammatory-breast-cancer.html
• Acne Skin Care Tips: American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2022.) “10 skin care habits that can help clear acne.” https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips

Our Review Process

“Learn by lemons”: how to recognize the early signs of breast cancer

January 16, 2017

Photo credit, Worldwide Breast Cancer

Caption before photo,

Various signs of breast cancer shown on the example of lemons

900 11 We think that we know what the symptoms of breast cancer are, but only as long as you don’t have to feel your own breasts – for preventive purposes.

That’s when we get lost in conjecture: what do I have here – a seal? Should I be worried if dimples appear on the skin, and what exactly should I pay attention to?

This is exactly what young designer Corinne Beaumont, the author of the “Know Your Lemons” campaign, has been thinking about, which has been shared 32,000 times on Facebook in recent days.

Both Corinne’s grandmothers died of breast cancer at the age of 40 and 62, and when she herself began to look for some information about what the first symptoms of this disease were and what to look for, she found very little useful information.

Then she decided to come up with some simple guide, and so lemons became her visual metaphors for various breast conditions.

By placing them in a box of a dozen eggs, Corinne wanted to create a simple, playful image that, firstly, could help women overcome their fear of this disease, and secondly, would be understandable to absolutely everyone – even the illiterate.

“Some don’t want to talk about it and don’t even want to look at their breasts,” says the artist. And often the women who appear on medical posters don’t look like normal women.

Two years ago, Corinne left her day job to focus entirely on her charity, Worldwide Breast Cancer.

Everyone understands

This educational campaign has already been launched in the US, Spain, Turkey and Lebanon and has been translated into 16 languages.

Although the Discover the Lemons campaign has been around since 2003, it only became widely known this year after it was shared on social media by Erin Smith Chiese.

She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer after she noticed the dents in her chest – all thanks to the “lemon instruction” showing how and what it looks like.

“If I hadn’t accidentally stumbled upon a picture where everything can be seen in nature, then I would not know what to look for,” Erin wrote on social networks.

Many women note that “Learn by Lemons” is a simple, visual and at the same time bright guide that helps in a simple way to communicate something important that is sometimes lost behind a lot of incomprehensible words.

Image copyright, Science Photo Library

Photo caption,

Doctors urge women to regularly examine their breasts for changes

A recent survey of thousands of women by British charity Breast Cancer Care found that a third of women do not regularly check their breasts for signs and symptoms of cancer.

While 96% of women know that breast lumps can be a symptom of cancer, more than 25% don’t know that inverted nipples can also be symptoms.

It is the swelling or lump in the breast that women most often pay attention to, according to the official website of the National Health Service NHS Choices.

In 9 out of 10 cases, these lumps are not cancerous, but you need to see a doctor to be sure.

Other symptoms to watch out for include changes in the location of the nipple or the appearance of dents or uneven surfaces on the breast.

Early signs

As professor of surgery Giant Wadia of University College London oncology explains, breast skin indentations or flattening of the chest, especially when the arm is raised or when the torso is bent forward, are important early symptoms.

“This is one of the main signs that can be seen at an early stage, along with bloody discharge from the nipple or discharge from only one duct,” says the professor.

Symptoms such as suddenly visible veins or inflammation of the mammary glands are rare, and ulcers on the skin of the breast or the appearance of a porous area of ​​skin resembling an orange peel, as well as large bumps, are signs indicating that the disease is in an advanced stage .

“Lemons in an egg carton bring interest to the topic, and people can better remember some specific signs. But usually women just find an “invisible” lump in their breasts – this is the most common and often the only symptom,” explains Prof. Wadia.

Don’t go crazy

But what’s important to know is exactly how your breasts look and feel, experts say.

Any change in size or shape, lump or “ball” in any part of the breast should be taken seriously.

At the same time, Clinical Nurse Jan Murphy of Breast Cancer Care says she doesn’t want women to go crazy about it.

“The main thing is that everyone knows what their own breasts look like. You can do a self-examination, for example, smearing with cream,” she says.

Cancer Research UK also points out that just having a symptom does not mean you have breast cancer.

“Inverted nipple, discharge from the nipple or rash – all this can also occur for other medical reasons. However, if you find any changes, then you need to go to the doctor, because if it turns out that it is cancer, then you you will be more likely to be cured,” experts point out.

Papillomas on the chest why they occur and how to treat

The skin of an adult covers an average of 2 m².

Therefore, neoplasms of various types are comfortably placed on it – from moles to papillomas. Some are there from birth, others appear later.

People usually react with suspicion to new growths.

Not surprising. After all, who knows why an incomprehensible wart popped up on his chest.

So what we’ll say next:

• Why papillomas form
• What types of neoplasms are divided into
• Why warts are dangerous

So, papillomas are benign growths that grow on the skin and mucous membranes. That is, they crawl out not only on the neck, under the armpits and on the feet. Some are formed inside the body. For example, individual growths appear in the throat and abdominal cavity.

Neoplasms grow from the top layer of the skin.

Healthy cells always develop according to a given program, but when infected with a virus, they mutate. And then they grow uncontrollably.

That is why papilla-shaped growths settle on the body. However, not all of them look the same.

Types of papillomas

Doctors use several classifications of neoplasms. Sometimes they are divided according to the place of appearance. In other cases, according to the tissues on which they grow.

Here are the main types of growths:

• Intraductal papilloma

Formed inside the ducts of the mammary glands. Sometimes only one neoplasm appears – usually in the large ducts of the nipple. Multiple papillomas mostly grow a little away from it.

• Keratopapilloma

This is the name of a neoplasm with a hardened surface.

• Esophageal papilloma

Sometimes the cells of the lining of the esophagus turn into viral growths. This rarely happens. Less than 200 cases are known to doctors.

• Filiform warts

Thin elongated growths. Formed under the breast, on the neck, under the armpits and in the groin.

Because you can’t always tell the type of pimples by their appearance, we recommend that you visit a dermatologist to have new papillomas checked out.

Sometimes even an examination is not enough.

In such cases, the doctor will take part of the tumor for analysis and examine it under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. It is the most reliable way to check for warts under the breasts or elsewhere on the body.

You can also ask the doctor questions about papillomas. For example, about the reasons for their appearance.

Why do papillomas grow?

Neoplasms do not appear on their own – they are formed due to the human papillomavirus or HPV. More than 100 types are now known.

The virus spreads in many ways. Most often, people become infected through direct contact – sexual intercourse and even ordinary touch allows HPV to penetrate the skin.

Indirect infection is also possible. Sometimes the virus first gets on a towel and other personal hygiene items, and only then gets to another person.

HPV takes a long time to settle down in a new place. The incubation period lasts up to three months, so it will not be possible to quickly identify the infection.

In addition to the main cause of the appearance of papillomas on the chest, it is important to consider the conditions under which this occurs.

The virus does not grow neoplasms in every person. Some stay healthy. Even with multiple infections.

Our body monitors and fights foreign organisms. Yes, it’s not always effective. But with strong immunity, growths on the skin form much less frequently.

One more point – the integrity of the skin affects the infection. It is difficult for a virus to get through intact skin, but scratches and other wounds allow it to slip inside. This is confirmed by medical research. In many patients, colonies of papillomas often appear next to the injured skin.

So, we talked about HPV.

Let’s move on to the appearance of neoplasms.

How to recognize papillomas?

Many of these growths look like elongated papillae, but the shape and size of the papillomas may be different.

The color of neoplasms also differs.

Most HPV births are flesh-colored. Pale or dark growths are less common.

The number of papillomas depends on the state of immunity – handfuls of tumors often accumulate on a weakened body.

All papillomas are contagious. So due to frequent touching, they quickly colonize the skin all over the body.

At home, it is almost impossible to find out the origin of certain neoplasms. Many of their varieties have similar signs.

Therefore, only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

Later we will talk in more detail about the diagnosis of papillomas on the chest in other places, but for now let’s talk about the consequences of HPV infection.

What is the danger of papillomas?

Unexplained skin tumors are usually a cause for concern. It `s naturally.

But in fact, most of the growths that have appeared due to HPV are harmless. Just small bumps on the skin.

However, they sometimes interfere, for several reasons:

• Damage and bleed

Some growths rub against clothing and injure due to intense pressure. The wound may become inflamed. Therefore, doctors recommend eliminating papillomas in uncomfortable places.

• Hurt

Sometimes the growths cause pain. For example, if they grow too much and put pressure on neighboring tissues, removing the tumor solves the problem.

• Cause cosmetic discomfort

Stress and low self-esteem are often found in people with papillomas in prominent places.

Certain types of HPV cause dangerous genital warts. They sometimes turn into cancer. Mostly women face this problem, although men can also get a malignant tumor.

Papillomas in the throat can also ruin a patient’s life. They make breathing difficult. Usually in children.

In general, growths are dangerous to health only in rare cases.

But we still recommend checking them with a doctor – this way you can quickly make sure that harmless growths have settled in you, and not deadly tumors.

This concludes the general description of the risks of papillomas. Next, we will discuss the growths that primarily bother the beautiful half of humanity.

Why are papillomas dangerous for women?

Men almost never experience intraductal or intraductal neoplasms. But in women they grow more often. Especially between the ages of 35 and 55.

Intracurrent papillomas are small benign growths in the mammary glands. These are not cancerous tumors. Although their symptoms are similar.

Solitary growths are usually fixed closer to the nipple, since this is where the large mammary glands are located. Multiple tumors form in small ducts.

How dangerous are they?

The growths themselves do not degenerate into cancer, but slightly increase the risk of its occurrence.

Intracurrent mammary papillomas are noticeable by swelling near the nipple. They also cause discharge. Sometimes a clear liquid. In some cases, with blood, which is clearly visible during the feeding of the child.

Since the signs of these growths are similar to those of breast cancer, they should be seen by a doctor. At home, you will not be able to make an accurate diagnosis.

However, any papillomas should be checked by a dermatologist. Just in case.

Diagnosis of papillomas

The doctor first examines skin neoplasms. In many patients, the tumors have characteristic features, so the doctor quickly determines their type.

Of course, there are difficult cases.

Some growths are similar to others and therefore more research is being done. Often the doctor prescribes a biopsy. He cuts off a piece of the neoplasm and examines it under a microscope.

What if papilloma grows in the breast?

To detect intraductal tumors:

• Mammography

This is the name of a chest x-ray.

• Ultrasound

The doctor sends sound waves into the chest, and after their reflection receives an image of the mammary glands.

• Ductography

The doctor detects a tumor by improper filling of the milk ducts. The procedure determines the location of the papilloma. The doctor also sees the size of the growth.

Sometimes the doctor takes a sample of the tumor with a hollow needle. Usually after that he receives enough information to make a diagnosis.

And then it’s up to the patient.

He must decide the fate of the tumor – leave it or eliminate it.

How to treat papillomas and warts?

So far, doctors have not learned how to treat viral neoplasms.

But don’t despair.

Although tumors cannot be cured, they can be removed.

What’s the difference?

It’s simple – papillomas appear due to HPV, which means that it is necessary to fight the virus, not the symptoms. Modern medicine will not help here, so rely on immunity. Over time, he dealt with the virus.

The growths themselves are sometimes best left alone. Just don’t touch them.

But if the papillomas are damaged and hurt, then they need to be shown to the doctor. He will check the neoplasms and determine how best to eliminate them.

Dermatologists now remove warts using various methods. They have almost no restrictions. Therefore, you can easily say goodbye to annoying tumors. Sometimes even in one session.

Ways to remove warts and papillomas

Doctors perform surgeries to eliminate neoplasms:

• Electrocoagulation

The doctor cuts off the top of the tumor with a high-frequency current, and then scrapes off the remains with curettage.

• Surgical excision

The dermatologist uses a scalpel or other sharp instrument. He cuts out the growth. The doctor removes not only the papilloma, but also a thin layer of skin around it. This reduces the risk of relapse.

• Cryotherapy

The doctor freezes the top of the growth. Usually liquid nitrogen. The growth tissues slowly die off, and then the tumor falls off.

• Laser Surgery

The doctor cuts off the top of the papilloma with a powerful beam of light. Then it burns the roots. At this place, a small inflamed wound remains, which is tightened with a protective crust. It lasts for about three weeks, and new skin grows under it.

Is it possible to remove papilloma in the breast?

Neoplasms inside the body are a little more difficult to eliminate – less traumatic methods are not suitable for this. Therefore, the tumor is removed surgically.

The breast is cut near the areola. In this case, the traces of the procedure are almost invisible, and the shape and size of the mammary glands do not change.

Recall that operations remove only external manifestations of HPV. So doctors do not guarantee the final elimination of papillomas. There is always a risk of relapse.

But we do not recommend removing tumors in dubious beauty salons, even if at a low price. The quality of therapy affects the rate of skin healing. Yes, and on traces of treatment.

Choose the right medical center carefully.

Dermatologists of the clinic “LaserSvit” – get rid of small papillomas in 60 seconds

When you look for a place for treatment, be sure to read reviews about the doctors of the selected clinic.