What Causes Lumps in a Man's Breast?

Lumps in a man's breast are not common. Hormones or, less frequently, cancer may fuel them. Male breast cancer is rare, however it does occur. Male breast lumps are more common in the adolescent years.

Types

Benign lumps in a man's breast are called gynecomastia. It occurs when hormone levels are not balanced. Liver tumors or disruptions of a man's endocrine system can cause gynecomastia. Male breast cancer also can present with a breast lump.

Features

Lumps in a man's breast, whether they are benign and hormonal in nature, or malignant due to carcinoma, present very similarly. It is difficult to differentiate them simply by palpation, or feel.

Prevention/Solution

A man cannot prevent lumps in his breast, however, after diagnosis, he can receive appropriate treatment to manage the condition. Frequently, with male breast cancer, surgical intervention is the favored option. Mastectomy is performed not only on women, but it also is the treatment of choice for male breast cancer.

Misconceptions

It is a common misconception that men do not get breast cancer. Although the incidence of breast cancer is much higher in women, it is still diagnosed in men.

Warning

When a man discovers a lump in his breast, it is vital that he get prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Just like in women, early detection of breast cancer is key in the man's prognosis.