The 8 different types of nipples – and the one that means you could have cancer
BODIES come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s no surprise that nipples can vary too. From protruding to flat, hairy and inverted, all nipples are different – and totally normal. But if they change in appearance that’s when you may grow concerned. Experts say that most of the time, changes can be a result […]
BODIES come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s no surprise that nipples can vary too.
From protruding to flat, hairy and inverted, all nipples are different – and totally normal.
But if they change in appearance that’s when you may grow concerned.
Experts say that most of the time, changes can be a result of pregnancy, breast feeding, or simply just down to genetics.
It could also be that the breast ducts are too short or the tissue has become too tight.
But they have warned women that unexpected changes in the nipple position, particularly if they suddenly become inverted, could be a cause for concern.
Here, doctors from The Hospital Group identify eight different types of medically “normal” nipples – and the one that could be a warning sign for cancer.
1. Protruding
Protruding nipples tend to point outwards and are often raised by a few millimetres.
When cold or stimulated, the nipples can harden.
The areola is the small pinkish, pigmented area which circles around the nipple.
When the nipple protrudes for the areola, if this is particularly noticeable, it can cause discomfort in your clothing and underwear choices depending on the severity of the nipples.
2. Flat
Flat nipples are less pronounced and often the entire nipple blends into the areola.
Instead of appearing raised or outwards from the breast, they often look completely flat regardless of arousal or cold snaps of weather.
When cold or stimulated, the nipples can harden.
3. Bumpy
Those teeny tiny bumps on your areola are completely normal and can be found on all nipples.
They’re called Montgomery glands and sometimes appear as whiteheads.
Some are more pronounced than others which can affect our confidence if we feel as though they are particularly noticeable.
Sometimes, you can squeeze dead skin cells out of them but doctors advise not to play with them.
4. Puffy
When the areola is raised and puffy this is usually due to excess tissue in the areola area which can often be hereditary or a result of hormonal changes during puberty.
It is also a sign of raised hormone levels which occur in pregnancy or simply during your monthly menstrual cycle.
Just like flat nipples, they can harden when cold or stimulated.
5. Hairy
All women, and men, have hair follicles on the areola and hair can vary in colour, thickness, and texture for each.
Hair can be influenced by ethnicity, and sometimes pregnant women notice hairs darkening, thickening or growing and all of this is completely normal.
Hormonal changes like starting a new contraceptive pill can also cause hair to grow around the nipples and in places you aren’t used too – again, all 100 per cent normal.
6. Inverted
With inverted nipples, the nipple retracts inwards, instead of out.
If you’ve always had them, this is nothing to worry about.
But be sure to watch out for any sudden, unexpected changes in the nipple position for example if they appear to be sunken or turning inwards.
7. Big
Nipples come in different shapes and sizes, but there’s no such thing as “too big” or “too small” when it comes to your breasts.
It is still completely normal to feel conscious, but size is nothing to worry about.
8. Small
Equally, we may also feel as though our nipples are especially small and aren’t in proportion with the size or shape of our breasts.
But it’s totally normal and nothing to worry about.
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9. Abnormal lumps or bumps
Lumps or bumps in the nipple, or breast and armpits, of any shape or size should be checked out by a doctor.
Additionally, if one of the nipples suddenly becomes inverted, book an appointment with your GP as it could be a sign of cancer.
According to the NHS, 90 per cent of lumps in the breasts aren’t cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor.
The Hospital Group says: “Check your breasts every month and if you have noticed something different about your nipples and you have concerns, particularly if the changes seem to persist or appear to have changed or developed, our best advice is not to ignore it and to seek medical advice from your GP.”
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