When is there nipple involvement in carcinoma of the breast?

Two hundred cases of carcinoma of the breast were examined to determine the extent of nipple involvement. Carcinoma was present in 8 percent of the specimens. Fourteen of the 16 nipples which contained tumor were macroscopically abnormal in reappearance--being either ulcerated, retracted, or attached to an underlying indurated mass. Clinically normal niples are not likely to contain carcinoma. A frozen section across the nipple base should also be used as a safeguard if the nipple is to be used in reconstruction.