Breast pain in men occurs mainly due to blows to the region, as a result of physical activity or due to the nipple rubbing against a shirt, for example.
Although it is not normally indicative of severity, it is important that the causes of pain in the male breast are investigated, as it may be indicative of fibroadenoma or cysts in the breast, which can be benign or malignant, and it is important that a biopsy of the breast tissue is performed. so that the characteristics of the cells can be evaluated.
Although serious causes of breast pain, such as cancer, for example, are rarer in men, those with a family history should self-examine their breasts at least every 3 months to check for the presence of swelling and lumps. Find out more about breast cancer in men.
Main causes
The main causes of breast pain in men are:
1. Breast injuries
Injuries or blows to the breast, which can occur during physical activity or at work, can cause pain of varying intensity depending on the severity of the injury, which can affect, in some cases, the muscle and ribs.
What to do: If the blow was not serious, it is recommended to apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation and pain. However, in the case of severe pain that prevents movement of the arm or makes breathing difficult, it is recommended to consult a doctor so that the area can be assessed and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.
2. Runner’s nipple
Runner’s nipple is a situation that occurs due to the chest rubbing against the shirt during running, which can result in local irritation, pain and bleeding.
What to do: If the exercise is practiced for several hours, you can choose to place a patch made of cotton, which can be found in pharmacies, on the nipple or use a running top or a tighter shirt, as this makes it possible to avoid constant friction. .
3. Mastitis
Mastitis is painful inflammation of the breast, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling and local redness, which may or may not be accompanied by an infection and, in this case, there may be fever and chills, which is rare in men.
What to do: It is recommended that the general practitioner be consulted so that treatment can be advised, which may involve the use of medications to alleviate symptoms, such as analgesics and anti-inflammatories. However, if an infection is detected, the doctor may also recommend the use of antibiotics.
4. Purely on mom
Despite being more common in women, breast cysts can also appear in men and are characterized by pain when pressing on the breast tissue and the presence of a small lump in that location. The risk of developing cancer from this change is very low, however it is recommended that you always consult a doctor.
What to do: The cyst in the breast must be evaluated by the doctor, who may recommend a biopsy to evaluate the characteristics of the cyst and, thus, recommend the best treatment.
5. Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia corresponds to the growth of breasts in men due to enlarged mammary glands, excess weight or endocrine diseases, for example. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts and can cause pain and sensitivity in the region. Learn more about gynecomastia.
What to do: breast growth in men is not a normal physiological process in men and, therefore, if an increase is noticed, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner or endocrinologist so that laboratory tests can be carried out to assess hormone levels, and imaging in order to rule out other causes.
6. Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma is a benign breast tumor that does not turn into cancer, however, depending on the type, it may slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Despite this, fibroadenoma is a very rare tumor in men. See more details about fibroadenoma.
What to do: If a small lump is noticed in the breast region, it is recommended that the doctor be consulted so that a clinical evaluation can be carried out and imaging tests, such as ultrasound, are recommended to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
