Dimpling of breast skin, also known as peau d'orange (French for "orange peel"), refers to the appearance of the skin when it becomes puckered, dimpled, or resembles the surface of an orange. This change in skin texture is often due to an underlying condition affecting the tissue beneath the skin, such as inflammation, fibrosis, or tumors. The most concerning cause of breast dimpling is breast cancer, particularly inflammatory breast cancer, where cancer cells block lymphatic vessels in the skin, leading to swelling and skin changes. Other potential causes include benign breast conditions, such as fat necrosis, which occurs when fatty tissue in the breast is damaged and leads to scar tissue formation, or mastitis, a breast infection often associated with breastfeeding that can cause swelling and skin changes.
Treatment for dimpling of breast skin depends on the underlying cause. If the dimpling is related to benign conditions like fat necrosis or mastitis, management may include observation, antibiotics for infection, or anti-inflammatory medications. However, if breast cancer is suspected, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential. Diagnostic procedures such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy may be required to determine the presence of cancerous cells. If cancer is confirmed, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapies, depending on the cancer type and stage. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis, so any new or unusual changes in the breast should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider.
