Why do I have a dent between my breasts? Uncovering the Causes

September 25, 2025 •

3 min read

It's estimated that pectus excavatum, a prominent cause of a dent between the breasts, affects approximately 1 in 400 children. For many, the unexpected appearance of an indentation on the chest can be a source of anxiety. Understanding why you have a dent between your breasts requires exploring several potential, and often benign, causes.

Quick Summary

An indentation in the chest can be caused by congenital chest wall deformities like pectus excavatum, benign fat necrosis, or normal anatomical variations. Sometimes, it can result from weight fluctuations or prior surgery. While often harmless, a sudden or asymmetrical dent with other symptoms warrants medical evaluation.

Key Points

Pectus excavatum: An indentation in the breastbone, or sternum, is most often caused by a congenital condition called pectus excavatum, which is a structural deformity of the chest wall.
Fat Necrosis: A dent can be a result of fat necrosis, the death of fatty tissue in the breast, which can occur after an injury, breast surgery, or radiation therapy.
Breast Cancer: In rare but serious cases, sudden, extensive dimpling, often with swelling and redness, can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.
Weight Loss: Significant weight fluctuations can make the natural anatomy of the chest wall more noticeable, potentially revealing a subtle indentation that was previously hidden by fatty tissue.
Medical Evaluation: Any new, sudden, or concerning dents, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like pain or redness, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding Chest Indentations

An indentation in the chest, particularly in the area between the breasts, can arise from a variety of factors. The most prominent cause is a congenital condition called pectus excavatum, but other less common issues can also be responsible. Exploring these possibilities can provide clarity and peace of mind, though a medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Pectus Excavatum: The Primary Cause

Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity where the breastbone (sternum) and ribs grow abnormally inward. It is sometimes called a “funnel chest” or “sunken chest”. This results from excessive growth of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum and can be influenced by genetics. The severity varies, from a slight dip to a significant depression that can affect the heart and lungs, causing shortness of breath or chest pain in severe cases. Mild cases may have no physical symptoms, but the cosmetic appearance can impact self-esteem.

Other Common and Benign Causes

Not every chest indentation is a result of pectus excavatum. Several other non-threatening conditions can create a dented appearance.

Fat Necrosis

This occurs when fatty tissue in the breast dies, often after injury, surgery, or radiation therapy. The damaged tissue can form a lump and cause skin dimpling or indentation.

Post-Surgical Changes

Scar tissue formation after breast surgery can pull the skin inward, creating an indentation.

Weight Fluctuations

Significant weight loss can make the underlying chest anatomy, including natural indentations, more noticeable.

Anatomical Variations

Some individuals have natural variations in their chest wall structure that may appear as a dent.

Causes That Warrant Caution

Less commonly, indentations can indicate a more serious issue.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

IBC is a rare, aggressive cancer where cancer cells block lymph vessels, causing thickened, pitted skin resembling an orange peel (peau d'orange). This dimpling is often present without a distinct lump.

Breast Skin Dimpling

Dimpling can also be linked to other breast cancers or benign conditions like mastitis or fibrocystic changes.

Seeking a Diagnosis

A doctor will examine the area and may order tests to determine the cause.

Diagnostic Tools

Medical History & Physical Exam: Evaluation of symptoms and physical examination.
Imaging Tests: CT or MRI scans can provide detailed views of the chest.
Biopsy: If cancer is suspected, tissue samples may be examined.

Comparison of Potential Causes


Feature	Pectus Excavatum	Fat Necrosis	Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
Onset	Present at birth, worsens during puberty	Following injury or surgery	Rapid, over weeks or months
Symptom	Indentation, often worsens with age	Firm lump, sometimes with bruising	Dimpling (peau d'orange), swelling, redness
Associated Factors	Genetic link, connective tissue disorders	Trauma, surgery, radiation	Blocking of lymph vessels by cancer
Pain	Can cause chest pain in severe cases	Often painless, can be tender	Can cause pain and tenderness
Treatment	Surgery for severe cases, physical therapy	Often resolves on its own; surgery if needed	Aggressive treatment: chemo, radiation, surgery

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause. Mild cases may not require intervention, while significant issues may need treatment.

Surgical Correction

Surgery, such as the Nuss procedure, may be recommended for severe pectus excavatum to improve function and appearance.

Monitoring and Management

Benign causes like fat necrosis may only need monitoring. Physical therapy can help with posture.

Cancer Treatment

Treatment for cancer-related dents involves options like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy based on the cancer type and stage.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a doctor if you notice a sudden or new dent, asymmetrical dimpling, or if it's accompanied by swelling, redness, pain, nipple changes, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations. Any changes causing concern should be evaluated. The Cleveland Clinic website is a helpful resource for understanding breast changes.

Conclusion

A dent between your breasts can have various causes, many of which are not serious. While pectus excavatum is a common benign cause, other factors like fat necrosis or weight changes can also contribute. Being aware of potential causes and seeking medical advice for new or concerning changes, especially with other symptoms, is vital for your health and peace of mind. Regular self-examinations and professional evaluation are key.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a dent is not always a sign of cancer. The most common cause is the benign condition pectus excavatum, but other non-cancerous factors like fat necrosis or weight changes can also be responsible. However, it is essential to have any new or concerning changes evaluated by a doctor.

Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken or funnel chest, is a congenital chest wall deformity where the breastbone grows abnormally inward. The indentation can be present at birth and may worsen during adolescent growth spurts.

Yes, significant weight loss can make the natural contours of your chest more apparent. As fatty tissue decreases, a pre-existing or minor indentation in your breastbone may become more noticeable.

Fat necrosis is a benign condition where fatty tissue dies, typically after breast surgery or an injury. This can lead to a firm lump and cause the skin to dimple or indent in that area.

You should seek medical attention if a dent appears suddenly, is new, or is accompanied by other symptoms like breast swelling, redness, pain, or shortness of breath. If the dent is only on one side and seems asymmetrical, it also warrants a visit to the doctor.

Yes, for many people, a slight indentation in the chest is just a normal variation of their anatomy. You may have had it your entire life without noticing it, and changes in posture or awareness can bring it to your attention.

A doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may use imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to get a clearer picture of your chest wall. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary.