PO Box 837
301 Linville Street
Glen Alpine, NC 28628
Phone (828) 584-2481
Fax (828) 584-8371

Compliments of American Academy Of Family Physicians

Breast Problems in Men

	Printer-friendly version

Men can also experience problems with their breasts.

SYMPTOMS	DIAGNOSIS	SELF-CARE

1. Are you between the ages of 10 and 25 and have swelling under the nipple?	Hormone changes of adolescence may bring about GYNECOMASTIA, benign swelling of the male breast.	Gynecomastia is usually benign and lasts for a few months. See your doctor if you're concerned or if the mass keeps growing.

2. Is the nipple red, sore, cracked or blistered? Do you run or wear loose gym clothing?	You may have RUNNER'S NIPPLE, an irritation of the skin caused by clothes that chafe.	Use an antibiotic ointment and an adhesive bandage strip when you run. Petroleum jelly may work just as well. If a growth occurs, have it checked by your doctor.

3. Are you taking any hormones or any new medicines and have a painless swelling under and/or around the nipple?	Your breast swelling, or GYNECOMASTIA, may be due to a MEDICINE or a HORMONE.	Discuss this with your doctor.

4. Do you have a hard, painless lump under your nipple?	This could represent something serious, like CANCER.	Promptly make an appointment with your doctor.

For more information, please consult your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.