Nevertheless, new unexplained dimpling should be evaluated.

6. Redness of the Breast or Nipple Area

Persistent redness can be another change worth paying attention to.

It may appear as:

• A red patch

• Generalized redness

• Redness around the nipple

• A warm-looking area

• Redness accompanied by swelling

Infections such as mastitis can also cause significant redness and warmth, particularly during breastfeeding.

Because infection and other breast conditions can look similar, persistent or unexplained redness should be assessed rather than diagnosed at home.

7. Thickened Breast Skin

Another possible change is an area of breast skin that becomes noticeably thicker.

You might notice that part of the breast feels or looks:

• Thicker

• Rougher

• Firmer

• Different from surrounding skin

Skin thickening can have several explanations, including inflammation and other benign conditions.

But if the change is new and persistent, it deserves medical attention.

8. Flaky, Scaly, or Crusted Skin Around the Nipple

Persistent changes around the nipple can sometimes be easy to dismiss as ordinary dry skin.

Pay attention to:

• Flaking

• Scaling

• Crusting

• Persistent dryness

• Irritation

• Redness

These symptoms may be caused by eczema, dermatitis, allergies, or irritation from clothing or personal-care products.

However, a persistent unexplained change—especially if it affects one nipple—should be examined by a healthcare professional.

9. A Nipple That Suddenly Turns Inward

Some people naturally have inverted nipples.

If your nipples have always pointed inward, this isn't necessarily concerning.

The more important change is when a nipple that previously pointed outward suddenly becomes inverted or appears to be pulled inward.

This is sometimes called nipple retraction.

There are several possible causes, including benign conditions, but a new unexplained nipple inversion should be evaluated.

10. Unusual Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge can happen for many reasons.

It may be associated with:

• Hormonal changes

• Pregnancy

• Breastfeeding

• Certain medications

• Benign breast conditions

However, unexplained discharge deserves attention, particularly when it:

• Occurs spontaneously

• Comes from only one breast

• Comes from a single opening

• Is clear or bloody

• Occurs when you are not breastfeeding

Nipple discharge doesn't automatically indicate cancer, but unusual discharge should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

11. Persistent Breast or Nipple Pain

Breast pain is extremely common and usually does not mean breast cancer.

It can occur because of:

• Hormonal fluctuations

• Menstruation

• Pregnancy

• Breastfeeding

• Hormonal medications

• Injury

• Muscle or chest-wall problems

• Benign breast conditions

However, persistent pain in one specific area, particularly when it is new or unexplained, deserves attention.

Pain accompanied by a lump, skin changes, nipple changes, or swelling is especially worth discussing with a healthcare professional.