Male Breast Conditions

Men have breast tissue and can develop both benign and malignant breast conditions. Most breast changes in men are not cancer, but a new lump, enlargement, nipple change, skin change or other unexplained symptom should be evaluated when its cause is not clear.

Common Breast Conditions in Men

Breast changes in men can develop from hormonal changes, increased fatty tissue, benign growths, inflammation or, less commonly, breast cancer. How the breast looks or feels can provide useful information, but an examination and sometimes imaging are needed to determine the cause of a new change.

Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia

Gynecomastia is enlargement of glandular breast tissue and is one of the most common causes of male breast enlargement. It may affect one or both breasts and can sometimes cause tenderness. Changes in the balance between testosterone and estrogen can contribute, particularly during certain stages of life.

Medications, anabolic steroids, alcohol or recreational drugs, and certain health conditions can also contribute to gynecomastia. Because several factors may be involved, it is important to discuss medications, supplements and other relevant health information with your clinician rather than stopping a prescribed medication on your own.

Pseudogynecomastia refers to enlargement caused primarily by increased fatty tissue rather than growth of glandular breast tissue. A clinical examination can often help distinguish between the two and determine whether additional evaluation is needed.

Benign Breast Lumps

Men can develop benign breast or chest-wall masses such as lipomas, which are growths made primarily of fatty tissue. These are often soft, movable and painless. Other benign conditions can also produce a palpable lump, so a new mass should not be assumed to be harmless based on how it feels alone.

Breast Inflammation and Infection

Inflammation of breast tissue can occur in men, although it is uncommon. Symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness or pain, and infection may sometimes be present. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics when a bacterial infection is identified or suspected.

Persistent inflammation, a worsening breast change or symptoms that do not improve as expected should be reevaluated to determine whether another condition is responsible.

Male Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is uncommon in men, but it can occur because men have breast tissue in which cancer can develop. A new lump or area of thickening is a common presentation, but male breast cancer can also cause nipple inversion, nipple discharge, changes in the skin of the breast or nipple, or swelling in nearby lymph nodes.

Because men may not immediately associate a breast change with the possibility of breast cancer, evaluation can sometimes be delayed. A new or persistent change should be assessed rather than waiting for it to become painful or more noticeable.

When Should a Man Have a Breast Change Evaluated?

Many male breast changes have benign causes, but an unexplained or persistent change deserves attention. Contact your healthcare provider or the Breast Center if you notice:

• A new breast lump or area of thickening
• New or increasing enlargement of one or both breasts
• Persistent breast or nipple pain or tenderness
• Nipple discharge, particularly bloody discharge
• A nipple that becomes inverted or changes in appearance
• Dimpling, puckering, scaling, redness or another new skin change
• A sore or ulcer involving the breast or nipple that does not heal
• A new lump or swelling under the arm

You do not need to determine whether a breast change is gynecomastia, a benign mass, inflammation or something more serious before seeking evaluation. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine what the change represents and whether any additional testing is necessary.

How Are Breast Changes in Men Evaluated?

Evaluation begins with a discussion of when the change developed, whether it has changed over time, your medications and health history, and any family history that may be relevant. A clinical breast examination can help determine whether the finding appears to involve glandular breast tissue, fatty tissue, a distinct mass, inflammation or another type of change.

Learn more about Breast Evaluation & Screening.

Family History and Genetic Risk in Men

Family history can be important when assessing breast cancer risk in men. Inherited changes in certain genes, particularly BRCA2 and some other cancer-predisposition genes, can increase the risk of male breast cancer. A family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate or male breast cancer may help determine whether genetic counseling or testing should be considered.

Genetic information can sometimes affect cancer screening and treatment decisions and may also provide useful information for relatives. A genetic counselor or other qualified healthcare professional can review your personal and family history and help determine whether testing is appropriate.

Learn more about Family History of Cancer and Genetics.

Moving Forward With a Male Breast Concern

Finding a lump, enlargement or another breast change can raise understandable questions, but the appearance or feel of a breast change alone cannot reliably determine its cause. Evaluation can distinguish common benign conditions such as gynecomastia from findings that need imaging, biopsy or additional care.

At the Margie Petersen Breast Center, breast specialists can evaluate male breast concerns and coordinate imaging or additional testing when appropriate. The goal is to determine what the change represents and provide a clear next step based on the findings.