Breast tethering refers to a visual symptom where the skin on the breast appears pulled inward, dimpled, or indented. It is not a condition itself, but rather an indication that something beneath the skin is causing this retraction.
Identifying Breast Tethering
Observing breast tethering involves looking for subtle changes in the skin’s texture and appearance. These include dimpling resembling an orange peel texture, puckering, or a distinct indentation that pulls the skin inward.
Sometimes, tethering is not immediately obvious and may only become visible under specific circumstances. Raising the arms can make the skin retraction more apparent, as can gently moving or palpating the breast. While it can occur anywhere on the breast, its location often provides clues about the underlying cause.
Potential Causes of Breast Tethering
Its strongest association is with breast cancer, where a growing tumor can infiltrate and shorten the surrounding tissues. Malignant cells can invade and contract the Cooper’s ligaments, which are fibrous connective tissues that provide structural support to the breast. This contraction pulls the skin inward, creating the characteristic dimpling or retraction.
Beyond malignancy, other benign conditions can also lead to breast tethering. Fat necrosis, for example, results from damaged fatty tissue, forming a firm lump and scar tissue that pulls on the skin. Scar tissue from previous breast surgeries, biopsies, or injuries can also contract over time, causing skin retraction. Certain benign lumps or infections might also cause localized inflammation and subsequent fibrosis that leads to tethering.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Diagnostic Steps
Noticing any new or persistent breast tethering warrants immediate medical consultation, even if no other symptoms are present. Early detection of any underlying cause is important for effective management. This prompt evaluation allows healthcare providers to determine the reason for the skin changes.
A doctor will typically begin with a thorough physical breast exam to assess the tethering and any associated lumps or changes. This is usually followed by imaging tests to visualize the internal breast tissue. Common imaging modalities include a mammogram, which uses X-rays, an ultrasound, which uses sound waves, or an MRI, which uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images. If these tests reveal a suspicious area, a biopsy may be necessary; this involves taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to determine the exact cause of the tethering.