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What Does An Indent Near The Breasts Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 27 Nov 2017

Question: Hi, I'm 40 years old and am very obese with a BMI of 43. When I hold my arm right up I've noticed a slight impress/indent in my breast. I have to hold my arm right up to see it, otherwise it isn't visible.

No history of breast cancer. I can't feel a lump/mass. No swelling.

Is this fat related?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I think this is pretty much normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

As per the images, I don't see any cause for concern. It appears to be normal dimpling only. Given that there is no underlying lump also, It appears benign.

I don't think this is anything serious.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (38 minutes later)

Thanks Dr. So even though the dimple is there you don't think I've got anything to worry about?

Because I am very overweight it is hard to feel right inside my breast but on examination there are no lumps.

So do you think I should try and forget about it then?

When I google dimple on the breast it led me to breast cancer which scared me. What is the difference between cancerous dimples and mine.

Thanks Dr.

Hi Dr.

Did you get my follow up question?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It's the appearance

Detailed Answer:
The appearance is not really like a cancerous dimple, which also persists in all positions.

To completely forget about it I suggest getting yourself examined by a surgeon and also get an ultrasound of the breasts. If these are normal, then nothing to worry.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 days later)

Thanks Dr XXXXXXX

One more question, as you can see from the picture, the dimple is on a vein - is that significant? Also, the veins in this breast are more prominent than in the other breast - why is that?

Thanks and best wishes.

Dr XXXXXXX I can feel the vein in that breast, under the skin

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Veins can be prominent

Detailed Answer:
That will be very difficult to appreciate on these images. We need to compare between the two breasts in adequate light. But superficial veins can be normally prominent. Not necessarily something serious. They can be felt also, if just under the skin.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (16 minutes later)

Hi Dr XXXXXXX

One last point: so I've been monitoring the indent/impress and as I said it only happens when I raise my arm up high.

Is is significant that it's on a vein?

I'd rather not get an ultrasound. If it doesn't change in appearance then can I just forget about it?

When you reply I will close the discussion. Thanks for your expert help.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No relation between change of appearance while moving and location on vein

Detailed Answer:
Yes if it;s not changing in appearance then you may forget it. But if possible, get it checked by a surgeon. If he/she is convinced by office exam that it is benign then no need to do ultrasound.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar