Male bilateral breast discoloration and thickness of upper aerola

[Ctown]

Hello,

I am a 34-yr old male in relatively good health.  Over a year ago I noticed a discoloration on the upper portion of both aerola and had always assumed it was chafing from running or possible eczema (which I have in other areas).  Recently I noticed that it seems to cover a greater area and now the upper portions of both aerola are lighter in color and there seems to be a lump or thickness of the skin in this area.  There is no pain and I don't have swollen lymph nodes or any other symptoms.  I am very concerned about Paget's or other male breast cancers.  

thanks in advance

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear ctown: Paget’s disease is a rare form of breast cancer.  Symptoms usually associated with this are itching, redness, and spontaneous (not forced) nipple discharge.  For Paget’s disease to be diagnosed requires a sample of the tissue to be examined under the microscope.  Paget’s disease is almost never found on both breasts.  Male breast cancer is rare, but one out of every 150 cases of breast cancer involves a man, usually in men over 60 years old.  Although a painless breast lump is the most common sign, most breast lumps in men are benign (non-cancerous) and are related to some other cause.  As this continues to concern you, you may want to have it checked by your doctor.

[adam172]

A related discussion, nipple was started.