In men, breast pain is most commonly caused by a condition called "gynecomastia" (guy-nuh-koh-MAS-tee-uh). This refers to an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue that's caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.
However, breast pain and swelling may be symptoms of something more serious. You may have an injury, infection, or an underlying medical condition—including cancer. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have any breast pain and swelling, or notice any other breast changes.
Breast pain in men can have a variety of causes, from muscle strains to a cyst. Some causes might require treatment but are usually harmless. Most causes of breast pain in men are due to problems in breast tissue. These problems are usually treatable, and some will go away on their own.
Pain is more common in patients with gynecomastia that recently developed or has progressed rapidly. If breasts are tender, cold compresses may be applied. Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics (pain relievers) may also be used.
There are two basic types of breast pain – cyclic and non-cyclic.
Gynaecomastia (sometimes referred to as "man boobs") is a common condition that causes boys' and men's breasts to swell and become larger than normal. It is most common in teenage boys and older men.
Gynecomastia is when male breast tissue grows larger than usual and it begins feeling like a rubbery, firm mass under and around the nipple before it spreads across your chest. Sometimes it only affects one side of your body but it usually affects both. This growing tissue can feel tender or painful to touch.
Gynecomastia may go away on its own. If it persists, medication or surgery may help.
Physical changes in your breast tissue are often the first noticeable signs of breast cancer. Male breast cancer symptoms include: A firm, painless lump in your breast tissue, behind your nipple or in your armpit. Skin on your chest that looks dimpled or pitted, like the skin of an orange.
The main symptom of breast cancer in men is a hard lump in one of your breasts. The lump is almost always painless. The lump is usually located underneath the nipple and areola (the circle of dark-coloured skin surrounding the nipple).
Feel for hard lumps or bumps in your breast. Be certain to cover all parts of your breast. Gently squeeze both nipples and look for any discharge. Look carefully for changes in the size, shape, and contour of each breast, e.g., puckering, dimpling, or changes in skin texture.
Breast pain in women and men has a variety of possible causes, from prescription medication to malignancy. Red flags include lumps, skin changes, pain and fever.
One of the reasons to go to an emergency room for breast care is if you are experiencing breast pain which is accompanied by a persistent high fever; one that is higher than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stress and anxiety can also be linked to breast pain. Non-cyclical breast pain may be continuous or it may come and go. It can affect women before and after the menopause. The pain can be in one or both breasts and can affect the whole breast or a specific area.
Breast pain can be due to many possible causes. Most likely breast pain is from hormonal fluctuations from menstruation, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and breastfeeding. Breast pain can also be associated with fibrocystic breast disease, but it is a very unusual symptom of breast cancer.
Gynecomastia is an overdevelopment or enlargement of the breast tissue in men or boys. The breasts become larger. They often grow unevenly. It is often caused by changes in levels of the female hormone (estrogen) and the male hormone (testosterone).
One of the biggest differentiating factors between a male with breast cancer and a male with gynecomastia is symmetry. For instance, men who have gynecomastia almost always exhibit swelling in both of their breasts. Whereas men who have breast cancer, typically only find a lump or swelling in one of their breasts.
The first thing to do when you have left breast pain is get checked for a heart attack. Left breast pain can come from injuries or conditions that affect the breast tissue and milk ducts. Breast cancer isn't usually painful early on. An exception is inflammatory breast cancer, which also causes redness and swelling.
“Breasts are mostly fat and veins, but they're resting on a muscle,” she explains. Specifically, your pectoralis major muscle, which may be the source of your pain. “You can pull this chest muscle while lifting weights, carrying heavy objects, or even during sudden movement,” she says.
Pericarditis pain usually occurs behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest. The pain may: Spread to the left shoulder and neck. Get worse when coughing, lying down or taking a deep breath.
Answer: Gynecomastia — enlarged male breast tissue — may slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. But even with gynecomastia, your risk of developing male breast cancer is very small. In most cases, gynecomastia resolves on its own with minimal treatment and little risk of long-term complications.
Puberty — Gynecomastia that occurs during puberty usually resolves without treatment within six months to two years. The condition sometimes develops between ages 10 and 12 years and most commonly occurs between ages 13 and 14 years. The condition persists beyond age 17 years in up to 20 percent of individuals.
September 30, 2019. Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged male breasts. It is quite common for teenagers going through puberty to experience this condition. For most young men, it goes away on its own by the age of 21.