HomeAnswersMedical oncologysore nipplesWhy am I experiencing a pinching pain in the right nipple area, and is it IBC?

Can a pinching pain in the nipple be indicative of inflammatory breast cancer?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 3, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had a pinching pain in my right nipple area for over a week. It happens if I rub my nipple in a certain way or if something hits it. So I searched online, and IBC (inflammatory breast cancer) came up in the search, and I panicked. Kindly advise.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. I do not think there is anything to worry about. While rubbing, the pinched pain in the nipple area looks like a benign nipple problem. It has no connection with inflammatory breast cancer; usually, inflammatory breast cancer means more than 60 percent breast is swollen and red and is proven by biopsy. You have not sent full details related to nipple pain. Please answer the following questions.

1) Is there any nipple discharge or breast skin changes seen?

2) Is there any axillary swelling?

3) Are there any palpable nodules under the nipple while pressing the nipple or whole breast?

4) Do you have any family history of breast or ovarian cancer?

5) What are your age and profession?

If possible, send a picture of the affected nipple. After all these details I will be able to give you more advise. But currently, it looks like a benign pathology, and there is nothing to worry about.

Some risk factors for developing breast cancer, as mentioned below, may put a woman at risk. So if any woman has any one of these risk factors, she needs to enroll in a breast screening program in the nearby clinic. The major risk factors for developing breast cancer are

1) Family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

2) Obesity.

3) Certain genetic syndromes.

4) Any previous breast lump that was excised.

5) Underwent hormone replacement therapy.

6) History of estrogen intake.

There is nothing to worry about as of now. Just send me more details as I have mentioned above and a picture of the affected breast. I will be able to give you more suggestions and advises based on that.

I wish you a long, happy and healthy life.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I just turned 40 last week, which I think is making me more paranoid. I checked my breast. There is no swelling or redness. Both breasts look the same. When I searched nipple pain online, IBC popped up, and it frightened me. I will send a picture soon. I am absolutely going to go for my screening mammogram, and I will see a doctor in person. Until then, just a bit of peace of mind is helpful.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Everything looks normal, and there is nothing to worry about. The pain will go away. But it is recommended to do a screening mammogram at the age of 40. Also, I would advise you to learn how to do a self-breast examination and do it once every month.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah
Dr. Arshad Hussain Shah

Medical oncology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Medical oncology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy