Certain Diseases
Most of the time, nipple pain is a standalone condition caused by external factors and infections. However, nipple pain can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition like cancer, EAN or Erosive Adenomatosis of the Nipple, and Paget’s disease.
Women with breast cancer usually feel sudden nipple soreness and sensitivity without apparent reason. However, unlike typical nipple pains, cancer-induced pain only affects one nipple and one breast at a time. Patients may also feel small bumps and painful sores around their nipples. However, some severe symptoms may occur, like suddenly having an inverted or flattened nipple, excessive tingling sensations, yellowish discharge, and scaly and flaky skin around the areola.
Patients with Paget’s disease may also have similar symptoms. Paget’s disease is a rare type of cancer that affects the skin of the nipple. It has the same symptoms as eczema and EAN (a benign tumor in the nipples), so most people often misdiagnose it. Unfortunately, Paget’s disease is often linked to developing more cancer cells in the milk ducts.
Although these cases are rare, it is still best to consult the doctor on the first sign of severe and unusual nipple pain.
