What should you know about skin growth on nipple?

The change may be a blocked gland, an inflamed follicle, a wart-like lesion, a cyst, or another benign lump. Friction from clothing, shaving, eczema, or breastfeeding can make the area sore or swollen. A boil can become tender, warm, and filled with pus; see the guide to [Boils](/conditions/boils/). A changing, crusted, bleeding, or non-healing lesion deserves a clinician’s review because [Basal Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/) can occur on exposed skin, although a nipple growth does not by itself establish that diagnosis.

Do not squeeze, cut, burn, or apply wart-removal products to the nipple. Keep the area clean and dry, reduce rubbing with soft clothing, and note when the growth appeared. Record whether it changes with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or irritation. A dermatologist or breast clinician can inspect the surface and surrounding tissue, and may recommend imaging or a small sample if the appearance is unclear. General information about [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) may help you describe the change.

Arrange prompt assessment for bleeding, persistent crusting, discharge that is not breast milk, a new inward pull of the nipple, spreading redness, fever, rapid enlargement, or a firm lump beneath the nipple. Seek urgent help for severe pain with fever, rapidly spreading redness, or feeling acutely unwell. A clinician can distinguish a surface lesion from a deeper breast change.

Ask what the growth most resembles, whether the nipple or deeper breast tissue is involved, whether a sample or imaging is needed, and how to protect the area while it heals. If removal is suggested, ask about scarring, healing time, recurrence, and whether [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) is relevant.