Gynecomastia

Hi I'm currently 22 years old and have had a lump under my left nipple for about 8 or 9 years now (since I hit puberty). For the first couple of years the lump was painful. The pain went away and the size/shape remained the same. I've had an ultrasound done about 4 years ago and the doctor said it was "nothing" but now I would finally like to do something about it since I've read if it doesn't go away in a few years on its own, it most likely needs treatment.

So my question is for anyone who has had to deal with similar circumstances or any expert in the field. First of all, should I get blood work done to determine my hormone levels? Or are there any other ways of determining what could be the undermining cause of the lump? Also, I've read that once the gynecomastia has settled and the lump hasn't gone away on its own, no medication treatment will work and the only option is surgery to remove it. Is this true / have any medications worked for anyone with a similar condition?

This has been like a burden on my self esteem for years and years and I would really like to do something about it. Any help or advice would be appreciated!

[Londres70]

Lumps and gynecomastia are not the same thing; two different situations.  I am not sure if your lump is related to hormone levels or not.  Sounds like it should be reassessed and possibly biopsied to properly determine what "exactly" is.  

When you have the US done 4 years, what did the physician say it was?  

[bluebird777]

I have a small lump in my left breast that has been there for years. Because of my history with cancer...I have to have a mammogram done every 6 months...but it has never changed in size. And the docs believe it is just a clog in one of my ducts from a cold or virus I once had.  It has been suggested in the past that I get a ductogram if it actually causes me any problems. Has anyone suggested that for you?

[Londres70]

Lumps and gynecomastia are not the same thing; two different situations.  I am not sure if your lump is related to hormone levels or not.  Sounds like it should be reassessed and possibly biopsied to properly determine what "exactly" is.  

When you have the US done 4 years, what did the physician say it was?  

[paul2112]

Thanks for the advice! No one has suggested I get a ductogram yet, but I sure will consider it.

[paul2112]

Last time I went to get it US, the physician said it was "nothing" literally. I'm having a hard time determining exactly what it is myself. It could be a cyst, lump or gynecomastia. The reason I think its hormone related is because it first appeared during a really fast growth spurt I've experienced at the age of 14 - I grew nearly 6 inches in about 8 or 9 months. Somehow I think my hormone levels never realigned naturally.

Thanks for the advice, I will do a little more research and visit a physician again to know exactly what to request.

[gymdandee]

It's Important to find out exactly what it is!! If turns out to be not serious then what is
Important is your self esteem and you find a good plastic surgeon and enjoy your life.
My son had  gynecomastia and as a young teen it was very Important for us to have it treated.

[paul2112]

Thanks for the info gymdandee! Through what method did the physician determine it was harmless and fine to be removed by surgery?

[gymdandee]

I don't recall the determination but check this web address that gives suggestions. My son had this done about 25 years ago. Like I said your self esteem is very important!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gynecomastia/DS00850/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

[Londres70]

A surgical consult would be best to sort out what exactly you are dealing with.  Doesn't sound like gynecomastia to me.  With gynecomastia you will present with full breast tissue just like a woman, not a lump.