Experts Reveal The Eight Different Types Of Women’s Nipples (And Warning Sign That Could Signify Cancer)

Experts have revealed the different types of nipples classed as medically ‘normal’, and the warning signs to look out for.

Doctors at The Hospital Group have shared a range of breasts to assure women that a variety of traits – including protruding and hairy nipples – are totally normal.

However they have warned women to look out for unexpected changes in the nipple position, explaining that inverted nipples are generally nothing to worry about – unless they have suddenly become that way.

Elsewhere they explained that while 90 per cent of bumps are usually non cancerous, women should visit the doctor if a new lump does appear and persist.

1) Protruding

‘The areola is the small, pigmented area which circles around the nipple.

‘When the nipple protrudes for the areola, if this is particularly noticeable, it can cause discomfort in your clothing and underwear choices depending on the severity of the nipples.

‘However it is nothing to worry about,and if uncomfortable can be corrected by surgery.’

2) Big

‘Nipples come in different shapes and sizes, and there’s no such thing as ‘too big’ or ‘too small’ when it comes to your breasts.

‘It is still completely normal to feel conscious, but size is nothing to worry about.’

3) Small

‘Equally to larger breasts, we may also feel as though our nipples are especially small and aren’t in proportion with the size or shape of our breasts.

‘However this is also very normal and nothing to worry about.’

4) Hairy

‘All women (and men in particular!) have hair follicles on the areola and hair can vary in colour, thickness, and texture for each.

‘Hair can be influenced by ethnicity, and sometimes pregnant women notice hairs darkening, thickening or growing and all of this is completely normal.

‘Hormonal changes like starting a new contraceptive pill can also cause hair to grow around the nipples and in places you aren’t used to – again, all 100 per cent normal.’

5) Inverted

‘If you’ve always had inverted nipples, this is nothing to worry about.

‘Be sure to watch out for any sudden, unexpected changes in the nipple position for example if they appear to be sunken or turning inwards.’

6) Flat

‘Flat nipples are characterised by their position on the areola, instead of appearing raised or outwards from the breast, they often look completely flat regardless of arousal or cold snaps of weather.

‘However this is also nothing to worry about’.

7) Puffy

‘When the areola is raised and puffy this is usually due to excess tissue in the areola area which can often be hereditary or a result of hormonal changes during puberty.

‘It is also a sign of raised hormone levels which occur in pregnancy or simply during your monthly menstrual cycle.’

8) Bumpy

‘Those tiny bumps on your areola are completely normal and can be found on all nipples, but some are more pronounced than others which can affect our confidence if we feel as though they are particularly noticeable.

‘However they are totally normal and nothing to worry about’.

9. Abnormal lumps or bumps

‘We recommend that all women should thoroughly check their breasts every month by looking out for new lumps or bumps in the armpits and chest that they haven’t noticed before – and seem to persist regardless of your menstrual cycle.

‘According to the NHS, 90 per cent of lumps in the breasts aren’t cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor.

‘If you have noticed something different about your nipples and you have concerns, particularly if the changes seem to persist or appear to have changed or developed, our best advice is not to ignore it and to seek medical advice from your GP.’

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer can cause a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.

Most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor.

According to NHS Choices you should also see your GP if you notice any of the following:

-A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
-Discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood
-A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
-Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
-A rash on or around your nipple
-A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast.