Like the shape of the breast and the areola, the dark area surrounding the nipples, the latter are also different from one person to another. Nipples vary in shape, size, color and direction. Some of the most common are:
Lumpy: Small lumps around the areolas, known as Montgomery glands, are more visible on some nipples.
Protruding from the outside: they are raised and come out of the areolas.
Inverted: pull in instead of protruding like inverted nipples.
Flat: are at the level of the areola, although they can be raised with stimulation.
Hairy: It is quite normal for hair to grow around the nipples and some have more.
Very erect: they remain erect, more than protruding nipples, even without stimulation.
Swollen: both areolas and nipples are raised.
"Supernumerary": having an extra nipple; it is very normal.
Mixed: vary in direction.
Small nipples
Big nipples
You may notice changes in breast size, shape, and color over time. Often, these changes are related to hormonal fluctuations, aging or other natural phenomena. However, there are some symptoms that can be a sign of a health condition, including breast cancer, such as:
- unexplained tenderness or pain
- unexplained redness or bruising
- abnormal or bloody discharge
- lump or swelling in the breast tissue
- a sudden change
For more information on Pink October, breast cancer awareness month, read the following articles:
