What Does Nipple Elevation or Retraction Mean?
During self-examination or clinical evaluation, if a new-onset unilateral nipple elevation or retraction is observed, it should be taken seriously, as unilateral nipple elevation or retraction is usually caused by malignant changes.
When a breast cancer lesion invades the nipple or subareolar region, the fibrous tissue and duct system of the breast may shorten due to tumor invasion, pulling the nipple inward, causing deviation, retraction, or indentation. Sometimes, contraction of the breast's fibrous tissue causes the entire breast to elevate, so that the nipples on both sides are no longer level. When these signs are not obvious, a forward-bending test can be performed: instruct the patient to lean forward with arms extended forward, allowing the breasts to hang down, revealing the elevated nipple on the affected side due to fibrous tissue traction.
If the tumor lesion lies deep beneath the nipple or is close to it, nipple retraction may appear early. If the tumor is located in the peripheral region or deep breast tissue, cancer invasion may cause hardening and contraction of the major ducts, leading to nipple elevation, retraction, or fixation—indicating advanced-stage breast cancer.
<Breast>