Although many people only associate breast problems with women, men can also be affected. If you have noticed changes in your breasts or nipples, follow this chart for more information.
Trusted medical advice from the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Trusted medical advice from the
American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
Breast Problems in Men
Step 1
Selecting A Symptom
- Abdominal Pain (Stomach Pain), Long-term
- Abdominal Pain (Stomach Pain), Short-term
- Ankle Problems
- Breast Problems in Men
- Breast Problems in Women
- Chest Pain in Infants and Children
- Chest Pain, Acute
- Chest Pain, Chronic
- Cold and Flu
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Ear Problems
- Elimination Problems or Constipation
- Elimination Problems or Constipation in Infants and Children
- Eye Problems
- Facial Swelling
- Feeding Problems in Infants and Children
- Fever
- Fever in Infants and Children
- Foot Problems
- Genital Problems in Infants (Female)
- Genital Problems in Infants (Male)
- Genital Problems in Men
- Genital Problems in Women
- Hair Loss
- Hand/Wrist/Arm Problems
- Headaches
- Hearing Problems
- Hip Problems
- Knee Problems
- Leg Problems
- Lower Back Pain
- Menstrual Cycle Problems
- Mouth Problems
- Mouth Problems in Infants and Children
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Nausea and Vomiting in Infants and Children
- Neck Pain
- Neck Swelling
- Shortness of Breath
- Shortness of Breath in Infants and Children
- Shoulder Problems
- Skin Rashes & Other Skin Problems
- Throat Problems
- Tooth Problems
- Urination Problems
Step 2
Answering Questions
Do you have swelling under and/or around one or both nipples, and are you between the ages of 10 and 25?
Do you have swelling under and/or around one or both nipples, and are you taking any hormones or new medicines?
Is your nipple red, sore, cracked, or blistered after you have been running in sweat-soaked or wet workout clothes?
Do you have a breast lump that is tender and feels like a soft grape?
Do you have a painless lump that feels rubbery and moves easily within the breast tissue, like a small marble?
Do you have a hard, painless lump under your nipple?
Have you noticed any redness or scaling of the breast skin or nipple, or is your nipple inverted (pulling into the breast)?
Have you noticed skin puckering or dimpling that makes your breast skin look like an orange peel?
Have you had any type of nipple discharge?
Step 3
Possible Causes
Diagnosis
Hormone changes during puberty may cause GYNECOMASTIA, a benign (not cancerous) swelling of one or both breasts.
Self Care
In most cases, gynecomastia will go away on its own within 6 months to 2 years. See your doctor if you’re concerned, if breast tenderness is a problem, or if the breast tissue keeps growing.
Diagnosis
Hormones and some types of medicine may cause GYNECOMASTIA, a benign (not cancerous) swelling of one or both breasts.
Self Care
Talk with your doctor about whether you should stop taking hormones or medicines that cause gynecomastia. Do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Diagnosis
You may have RUNNER’S NIPPLE (also called NIPPLE CHAFING), an irritation that develops when clothes rub against the nipple.
Self Care
Gently clean the affected area and apply antibiotic ointment. This can help your nipple heal and prevent infection.
When you run, prevent chafing by using petroleum jelly (one brand name: Vaseline) and adhesive bandage strips on your nipples. Wear soft, moisture-wicking workout clothes that fit properly. Avoid loose cotton clothing. If your workout clothes get wet or soaked with sweat, change them as soon as you can.
Diagnosis
You may have a CYST. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are usually benign (not cancerous).
Self Care
See your doctor. He or she will determine if you need any additional tests. If your cyst is painful, your doctor may use a small needle to draw fluid out of it (called aspiration).
Diagnosis
FIBROADENOMAS are benign (not cancerous) breast lumps. Although more common in women, they may also occur in men.
Self Care
See your doctor. He or she will examine you, review your family history, and determine if you need additional tests.
Diagnosis
This may be a sign of something serious, such as BREAST CANCER.
Self Care
See your doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
These changes may be a sign of something serious, such as BREAST CANCER.
Self Care
See your doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
These changes may be a sign of something serious, such as BREAST CANCER.
Self Care
See your doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
This may be a sign of something serious, such as BREAST CANCER.
Self Care
See your doctor as soon as possible.
Self Care
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.
