What does skin dimpling look like in breast cancer?

Dimpling of the breast tissue can be a sign of a serious form of cancer known as inflammatory breast cancer. Also known as peau d’orange, dimpling of the breast causes the skin to look like the pitting and uneven skin of an orange. Sometimes, the skin can also be red and inflamed.

What does a dimpling look like?

A: Dimpling of the breast looks like a small area of skin that is pulled in. The best way to check for dimpling is during a monthly self breast exam right after your period ends, if you’re having regular cycles. Stand in front of the mirror, and raise your arms high above your head.

What kind of breast cancer causes dimpling?

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is rare and is sometimes thought to be some kind of infection. However, this kind of cancer can develop and spread quickly (said to be aggressive). It causes redness, swelling, and dimpling in the affected breast.

Can you have breast dimpling without cancer?

Both dimpling and lumps can be signs of breast cancer, although there are benign, non-cancerous issues, that can present with skin changes or a lump.

Can a breast dimpling be normal?

If there’s skin dimpling, meaning the skin has a texture similar to an orange peel, it could be a sign of breast cancer. This is often associated with inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form of the disease. There are benign reasons why the skin may look dimpled.

When should I be concerned about breast dimpling?

If you see dimpled skin on both breasts, it’s unlikely that the cause is cancer. In general, if you notice this change in texture on one side or changes to the color, you should see your doctor. Changes to color include a reddish or darkened appearance.

What is dimpled skin?

Anatomy of cellulite As fat cells increase, they push up against the skin. Tough, long connective cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling, often referred to as cellulite. Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen.