Painful lump in male breast.

[Japp]

Hi,

I am a 20 year old male with a lump under my left breast. Not very large. It seems like the nipple retracts, but no discharge. It has been there for maybe 6 months, but the last month is when it has really started hurting. Even when sleeping on my left side, the pain can be very irritating. I do workout on a constant basis and have recently lost some weight. I have read up on Gynecomastia, but do not have insurance right now to see a doctor. I know breast cancer is rare at my age, but it is still possible. Any thoughts?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Most breast lumps are not cancerous.

Symptoms of male breast cancer include lumps, changes to the nipple or breast skin - redness or scaling, skin dimpling or puckering, or  nipple discharge.

What you need to do is get a clinical breast examination done by a physician. If he notices something amiss he will suggest a mammogram and USG.

It would then be possible on the basis of these reports to decide whether a core needle biopsy or a surgical excision biopsy would be required in your case.

Considering your post, gynecomastia needs to be ruled out.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[Computer_Voice]

Call the local university hospital, explain you do not have insurance and ask if there are any programs through which you can get a free or discounted appointment with a breast specialist--or speak to the social worker who can see if you are eligible for Medicaid.  You are right that breast cancer is extremely rare at your age--particularly in a man--unless you have a very, very strong family history or are otherwise genetically predisposed.  Still, I would have it looked at.