TeenHealthFX - Answers - Male With Lumps In Breasts

Male Body Concerns / Question
Published: February 18, 2004

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am an 18-year-old male with lumps in my breasts. I started noticing them around the age of 15. They can be bothersome and unattractive. Is there any way that I can get rid of them? Is there any medicine or pills that can take care of this? Is there any chance they could still go away on their own and what is the normal age they go away?

Signed: Male With Lumps In Breasts

Dear Male With Lumps In Breasts,

FX can understand your reason for concern and thinks that it is important that you get this checked out by your doctor. Here is some general information:

Lumps in the breasts (of men or women) may be harmless or can be a sign of significant illness. One common cause of lumps in the breasts in teen-aged males is Gynecomastia, which literally means, an enlargement of breast tissue. For more information regarding Gynecomastia check out Lump Behind Right Nipple. Breast cancer is another disease that may cause lumps in the breasts, but male breast cancer is very rare (only 1% of all cases of breast cancer) and usually occurs in men over age 60. Some other common causes of lumps in the breasts can include benign fibrous masses that occur naturally and can be made worse by excessive caffeine and fat intake.

While it is possible that the lumps that you have noticed may go away, they may not. A physician may or may not feel that medication is the correct treatment for the lumps. It is great that you feel comfortable with your body, and have examined your chest for abnormalities. Both men and women should practice Breast Self Examinations to detect lumps or other abnormalities.

Breast Self Examination Instructions

Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Move around the breast in an up and down line, a circular, or a wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breasts feel from month to month.
Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.)
Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You might want to do this part of the BSE while you are standing in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.
For added safety, you can check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling while standing in front of a mirror right after your BSE each month. If you find any changes, see your doctor right away.

Again, it is important for you to get examined by a physician. If you need to find a doctor and you live in northern NJ, call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475.

Signed: TeenHealthFX