An indentation or dimpling on the breast’s skin surface, often called a breast dent, can cause concern. While it warrants attention, a breast dent does not automatically signify a serious underlying condition. This visible change can arise from various factors, some harmless, others requiring medical assessment.
Harmless Explanations for Breast Dents
One common cause of benign breast dents is fat necrosis. This occurs when fatty breast tissue is damaged and hardens, often following trauma, surgery, or radiation therapy. The hardened area can contract and pull on the overlying skin, creating a visible indentation.
Scar tissue from previous breast surgeries, such as biopsies or lumpectomies, can also lead to dents. As the incision heals, developing scar tissue can contract and pull surrounding breast tissue inward. This creates a permanent or semi-permanent indentation reflecting underlying fibrous changes.
Benign breast growths, such as fibroadenomas or cysts, might occasionally cause a dent. A larger or superficially located growth can exert pressure or tension on surrounding breast tissue. This tension can subtly pull the overlying skin inward, resulting in a visible dimple.
Significant weight loss can also alter breast appearance, sometimes leading to dents. A reduction in overall body fat decreases breast volume, causing skin to appear looser or sag, potentially creating minor indentations. Natural variations in breast anatomy and aging also contribute to changes in breast shape, including subtle dents, as tissues lose elasticity.
Understanding Cancer-Related Dents
One type of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), can cause diffuse skin changes, including a “peau d’orange” texture resembling an orange peel. This occurs when cancer cells block lymphatic vessels, leading to fluid buildup and a pitted, dimpled surface. IBC dents are typically widespread and accompanied by redness, warmth, and swelling.
Other forms of invasive breast cancer can cause dents by affecting Cooper’s ligaments, fibrous bands supporting breast tissue. As a tumor grows, it can invade and shorten these ligaments, pulling the skin inward towards the tumor. This retraction creates a localized dimple or indentation on the breast surface. Such dents are often fixed and do not disappear when the arm is raised or the breast is moved.
Dents associated with cancer often appear suddenly, persist, or worsen over time. They may also be accompanied by a palpable lump, changes in nipple appearance, or skin discoloration. These characteristics help distinguish them from benign causes.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Any new or persistent breast dent warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional, especially if accompanied by other noticeable changes. These concerning symptoms include a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit that feels different from surrounding tissue. Changes in breast size or shape, such as one breast appearing suddenly larger or lower, also prompt a doctor’s visit.
Nipple changes, such as inversion or unusual discharge (especially bloody or spontaneous), are important signs to report. Skin changes on the breast, including redness, warmth, itching, or an orange peel appearance, require immediate medical assessment. Persistent breast pain that does not resolve or occurs in a specific area should also be discussed.
Navigating a Breast Health Appointment
A breast health appointment typically involves a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of a dent. The process begins with a clinical breast examination, where the doctor manually checks both breasts and armpits for lumps, tenderness, or other abnormalities. They will also observe the dent’s characteristics, noting its size, location, and whether it changes with different positions or movements.
Following the physical exam, imaging tests visualize internal breast structures. A mammogram, an X-ray of the breast, is often the first step, providing detailed images that can reveal masses or architectural distortions. An ultrasound may also be performed, using sound waves to create images of breast tissue, helping differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts. In some cases, a breast MRI might be recommended for a more detailed view or for individuals with dense breast tissue.
If imaging tests reveal a suspicious area, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for microscopic examination. This involves using a needle to remove a small piece of abnormal tissue, analyzed by a pathologist to determine if cancer cells are present. The type of biopsy, such as a core needle or surgical biopsy, depends on the specific findings and doctor’s assessment.