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Problèmes mammaires

Revu par Dr Rosalyn Adleman, MRCGPDernière mise à jour par Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP Dernière mise à jour 31 oct. 2022

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Breast problems are very common in women of all ages. Most breast problems are not caused by breast cancer but it is really important to get any breast problems or concerns checked by a doctor. You may need to be referred to a breast specialist and you may need some tests such as a mammographie ou un échographie to find out the cause.

En un coup d'œil

  • Nipple discharge is often caused by harmless conditions or medicines.

  • Discharge that is bloody, from one breast, or with a lump needs checking by a doctor.

  • Inverted nipples can be natural or due to injury or infection.

  • A newly inverted nipple should be checked by a doctor.

  • Skin changes on the breast, like itching or redness, should be seen by a doctor.

Ce résumé a été généré automatiquement à partir du contenu de l'article pour aider les lecteurs à comprendre rapidement les points clés.

What breast problems can occur?

There are may different breast problems, including:

Nipple discharge

Nipple discharge is usually caused by benign disease (i.e. not breast cancer). Normal nipple discharge occurs during pregnancy and breastfeeding and may continue until up to one year after childbirth or the end of breastfeeding. Excessive breast stimulation can also cause nipple discharge.

Nipple discharge can be caused by certain gland (endocrine) problems such as a prolactinoma or if you're taking certain medicines (the pilule contraceptive orale combinée, cimétidine, antidépresseurs ou métoclopramide).

Nipple discharge caused by an underlying breast problem (for example, cancer du sein) is more likely to affect only one breast, the discharge may be bloodstained and there may also be an abnormal lump in the same breast.

Inverted nipples

An inverted nipple points into the breast instead of the normal shape of pointing outwards. Inverted nipples are often harmless with no serious underlying cause. Many women are born with nipples that naturally invert at times and then point outwards at other times. Sometimes the nipple may become inverted after breastfeeding.

If one or both nipples start to invert then it is very important to get it checked out but most cases are not due to anything serious.

The possible causes of inverted nipples include:

  • Injury to the breast, or breast surgery.

  • Breast cancer.

  • Breast infections - for example, mastitis.

  • Rapid and substantial loss of weight.

Changes in the skin of the breast

Skin problems can develop on or near the breast. There may be itching, scaling, dimpling, swelling, redness or other changes in skin colour. There is often no serious underlying breast problem but these skin changes may be caused by breast cancer so it's really important to get checked out straightaway in case there is a serious problem.

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Questions fréquemment posées

What are some common breast problems?

Common breast problems include lumps, pain and tenderness, mastitis (breast infection), nipple discharge, inverted nipples, and changes in the skin of the breast.

When should I be concerned about nipple discharge?

You should be concerned about nipple discharge if it affects only one breast, is bloodstained, or if you also find an abnormal lump in the same breast. These could be signs of an underlying breast problem like breast cancer, and you should get them checked.

What might cause a nipple to become inverted later in life?

If a nipple becomes inverted later in life, some possible causes include injury to the breast, breast surgery, breast cancer, breast infections like mastitis, or rapid and significant weight loss. It's important to have any new inversion checked by a professional.

When should I be worried about changes in the skin of my breast?

You should seek medical advice immediately if you notice changes in the skin of your breast such as itching, scaling, dimpling, swelling, redness, or other changes in skin colour. While often not serious, these changes can sometimes be caused by breast cancer, making prompt checking important.

Can certain medications cause nipple discharge?

Yes, certain medications like the combined oral contraceptive pill, cimetidine, antidepressants, or metoclopramide can cause nipple discharge. Some gland (endocrine) problems, such as a prolactinoma, can also be a cause.

Ces questions et réponses ont été générées à partir des informations de cet article.

Lectures complémentaires et références

À propos de l'auteurVoir la biographie complète

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Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

Médecin généraliste, Auteur médical

MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH

Le Dr Colin Tidy est un médecin du NHS, basé dans l'Oxfordshire.

À propos du critiqueVoir la biographie complète

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Dr Rosalyn Adleman, MRCGP

MRCGP

Dr Rosalyn Adleman est médecin généraliste du NHS travaillant dans le nord de Londres.

Historique de l'article

Les informations sur cette page sont rédigées et examinées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

Article également disponible en Anglais, Allemand, Espagnol, Français, Italien, Portugais, Hindi, Hébreu, Arabe, and Suédois.

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