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Brunswick, OH
A 27-year-old female asked:

Six months post using a breast pump, my nipples look darker and have purple areas in them; one is darker than the other. prior to pumping, they were always inverted. there is no scaliness, itch, warmth, or lump. could it be breast cancer?

3 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Oscar Novick
Pediatrics 60 years experience
Dark aereolae: During and following pregnancy the area around your nipples which is called the aereola tends to darken . They remain dark during breast feeding but will lighten up but not completely when you stop. This is a normal phenomenon and is not a sign of breast cancer.
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Dr. Carlo Hatem
Pulmonary Critical Care 27 years experience
Likely normal: But if worried, have a mammogram and exam by physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Alexander Barkan
General Surgery 26 years experience
Unlikely: To be breast cancer maybe just residual changes after breast feeding.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Sep 28, 2016

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