Painful nipples

I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer - ductal carcinoma with tubular features in the right breast.  A year prior to my diagnosis, I went to my family doctor as well as my gynecologist complaining of my right nipple being extremely painful as it was erected at all times.  Nothing was done.  Could nipple erection also be a sign for breast cancer?  Presently, my nipple maintains its erection and is quite painful.  My surgery is within one week.  What could have or should have been done for constant nipple erection?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear AnotherRN, This finding is more of a concern that there was a problem (cancer or other) needing further evaluation.  If the constant erection of the nipple was a new finding, having it checked out and evaluated to try to determine the reason for the constant erection and pain would have been recommended.

[kewRN]

I also have 1 nipple very painful and is always erect. What else could be the reason? Just went for a mammogram and ultrasound of both breast last week which were negitive. I did not have this pain last week it just started yesterday very confused and in alot of pain any thoughts on why this is happening?

[felinefancy]

A related discussion, sore boobs under the nipple was started.