At my age (gender)

[AlecJ]

Hello,
Im wandering thru with my question. Im 28 Male and pretty active, dont drink, dont do drugs prescription or otherwise. About 2 months ago a pea sized bump was noticed under my right nipple. I left it at that till a month later for some reason I took inventory on it and it was about the size of the red area but slightly off center again just left it be, till about 2 weeks ago I noticed clear drops and drips on occasion. I mentioned it to my mother over the easter holiday and she about hit the celing. Reluctantly I went to the doctor the following Monday. I got set up for a mamogram and ultrasound a couple of days later. The ultrasound went first and the quick look by someone, resulted in gynecomastia and decided to ditch the mamogram. The offical report said something to the effect of a hypoechoic mass with a flamelike apperance, no solid lesion seen, probable gymecomastia, birad 3 and suggested a mamogram. I have been refered to a surgeon with an affiliation with a breast care clinc.  My research has me scratching my head a bit I just dont seem to be at an age that anything should be changing a bit young for the worst and 14 years ago I could understand gymecomastia. As of now its about an inch in either direction pretty well defined but not really noticable in appearance still getting occasional wet spots. Im a week and half out from my next appointment so its weighting on my mind quite a bit.
Thanks
AJR

[AlecJ]

Hello,
An update, went for the visit with the surgeon, gynecomastia is still the primary direction. Given the circumstances of its appearance and Ive upgraded it from concern to nusiance we decided the best route is to take it out and have a look at it. Pretty much the same procedure used to treat gynecomastia with an eye out for anything suspicous.
He too agreed that a mamogram wouldnt be of much help
Alec

[surgeon]

In my opinion, neither mammogram nor ultrasound is very helpful in the diagnosis of gynecomastia: if there's a lump there, then the choices are either watching it carefully or doing a biopsy (or removal) of the lump. Since it's growing, even tho gynecomastia is by far the most common answer, biopsy ought to be considered. The mammogram, like the ultrasound, will tell you what you already know: there's something there. The other issue -- also rare -- is that male breast enlargement can sometimes be due to hormone issues; one simple thing that always ought to be done is to have the testicles examined to check for tumors, which in rare cases can be a source of hormones that can lead to breast enlargement.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear AJR:  Cancer in a 28 year old man is very uncommon.  However, given your symptoms, it is appropriate to proceed with investigation.  This lump could be gynecomastia but cancer must be ruled out.  You might give a call and see if the mammogram/appointment can be moved up, if for no other reason than your peace of mind.