What does a small dimple on your breast signify for health?

Author: Zhang Xinyuan, Master's in Internal Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Hospital. Review: Mo Hongnan, Associate Chief Physician of the Department of Internal Medicine at Peking Union Medical College Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Produced by: Science Popularization China. The cover image of this article is sourced from a stock photo library. Reposting may lead to copyright disputes.

Dimpling on breast skin may signal internal disease; women should seek prompt medical attention for breast health. The dimples that appear on the cheeks when we smile are charming and lively, but if similar "dimples" appear on the skin of the breasts, it is not a good sign. This skin abnormality, known as the "dimple sign," is an important indicator that there may be underlying changes within the breast. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent tumors among women in our country, and such subtle changes in the breasts must not be overlooked. Today, we will educate you about the dimple sign on the breast, teaching you how to recognize the signals and respond scientifically. What is the breast dimpling sign? The dimpled appearance of the breast is not a congenital feature but rather an acquired abnormal change in the skin of the breast. If we compare normal breast skin to a smooth and soft fabric, the dimpled appearance is like a corner of the fabric being gently pulled, creating a small indentation that differs from the natural texture of the skin. This type of indentation is often inconspicuous, sometimes causing no pain or discomfort. It can easily be discovered by chance while taking a shower, changing clothes, raising an arm, or looking in the mirror. It is often misinterpreted as a mark from clothing, an imprint from sleeping positions, or ordinary skin folds, leading to it being overlooked, which is where its danger lies. Why do dimples occur? The appearance of dimples in the breast is rooted in changes in the internal structure of the breast, closely related to the fibrous connective tissue. Besides fat and glands, the breast contains fibrous connective tissue that supports and connects, functioning like "bands" that tightly link the internal structures of the breast to the skin, thus maintaining the smoothness of the breast's surface. When changes occur inside the breast, the fibrous connective tissues are pulled by these changes, which in turn draws the surface skin inward, ultimately forming a localized indentation, commonly referred to as a "dimpling." In simple terms, the dimpling sign is not a damage to the skin itself but rather an abnormality within the breast that manifests on the surface of the skin through this pulling effect. How to distinguish: Which breast indentations should raise concern? Not all indentations that appear on the breast are pathological. Learning to differentiate them is essential to avoid both panic and negligence. The key is to focus on two core judgment points: 1. Check for persistence: In daily life, indentations and markings formed by clothing pressure or sleeping positions have clear causes and tend to gradually fade and disappear over time. However, pathological depressions, which should be approached with caution, are relatively fixed in location, do not self-resolve, and persist over time. 2. Check for recent unilateral local changes: If a specific area of one breast suddenly develops a depression that has never been seen before, this new and unilateral local change should raise your vigilance, warranting timely attention. Four, what should I do if I discover a dimple? After discovering a possible dimpled appearance resembling a "dimple sign" in the breast, it is important to pay attention to whether there are any accompanying abnormal signs, as these may make the risk more apparent: a painless lump felt in the breast or underarm; sudden retraction or inversion of one nipple; abnormal discharge from the nipple outside of breastfeeding, especially if it is unilateral, spontaneous, and persistent; breast skin becoming red, thickened, swollen, or developing an orange-peel texture. These symptoms, when occurring alone, do not necessarily indicate breast cancer. However, if they coexist with dimpled indentations or if various abnormal manifestations persist without relief, it is crucial to take them very seriously. One should seek examination at a reputable hospital specializing in breast health without delay. At the same time, it is important to note that if you suspect the presence of dimpling, do not repeatedly massage, press, or squeeze the breast. Also, avoid relying solely on images found online to make judgments or conclusions, as this could worsen the situation due to incorrect actions or cause unnecessary panic from self-diagnosis. 5. Important Reminder: Self-examination cannot replace standardized screening. Understanding the dimple sign can help us identify abnormal changes in the breast in a timely manner, but this does not mean that self-observation and self-examination can replace professional breast cancer screening. The value of self-examination lies in detecting recent changes in the appearance and texture of the breasts, such as skin dimpling, nipple retraction, or localized lumps. In contrast, standard screening utilizes specialized methods like mammography, ultrasound, and MRI to identify potential risks at an early stage, even before noticeable symptoms appear in the breasts. In the early stages of breast cancer, there are often no obvious symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or lumps, and signs like dimpling or nipple retraction that are easily noticeable do not appear initially. However, abnormalities may already be detected through imaging examinations at this stage. Of course, some seemingly suspicious changes in the breast may ultimately be confirmed as benign, so there is no need for excessive anxiety. The significance of dimpling is to remind us to pay attention to abnormal signals in the breast. To effectively prevent and treat breast cancer, the key still lies in regular and standardized screening to achieve early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment. Breast cancer screening varies for different populations. According to the "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer" published by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, breast cancer screening needs to distinguish between "women at average risk" and "women at high risk." The starting age for screening, the frequency of screenings, and the methods of examination differ for the two groups. The specific plans are as follows: 1. General risk women - Ages 20 to 39: Perform a breast self-exam once a month, and a clinical breast examination once every 1 to 3 years. Women aged 40 to 69 should undergo a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound every 1 to 2 years. For individuals aged 70 and above: promptly undergo breast cancer-related examinations when symptoms or suspicious signs appear in the breast. 2. High-risk women: It is generally recommended to start screening before the age of 40, with an interval of once a year. In principle, this should include both mammography and breast ultrasound, and if necessary, breast MRI assessments can be further combined. High-risk groups for breast cancer mainly include individuals with a clear family history of breast cancer, those carrying pathogenic mutations in BRCA1/BRCA2 or other breast cancer-related genes, and individuals with a history of high-risk breast lesions. Of course, the specific start time for screening, the intervals between checks, and the methods of examination need to be determined based on individual factors such as age, family history, previous medical history, and the basic condition of the breast. This comprehensive assessment should be conducted under the guidance of a specialist in breast health to develop a personalized screening plan. VII. Conclusion: Understanding the dimpled appearance of the breast is not meant for self-diagnosis, but rather to heighten our awareness of abnormal signals from our bodies, encouraging us to be vigilant and reduce neglect and procrastination. It is important to recognize that abnormal signs in the breast are not limited to lumps; changes such as skin dimpling, nipple retraction, and discharge outside of breastfeeding also merit significant attention. Visual observation and self-examination are merely the first steps in identifying breast abnormalities and cannot replace the judgment of a professional doctor or expert examination methods. When suspicious abnormalities in the breast are discovered, the most scientific approach is to seek medical attention promptly for a definitive diagnosis. Additionally, maintaining regular and standardized screening is crucial in daily prevention and treatment of breast cancer, as it establishes a strong defense for one's breast health. References: 1. Naraynsingh V, Jarvis JK, Milne DM, et al. The Pushing Sign for Early Skin Tethering in Breast Cancer. Cureus. 2021;13(12):e20471. doi:10.7759/cureus.20471. 2. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer (2022 Edition). Accessed March 15, 2026.