Introduction:
There are several reasons for breast pain in men. A cyst, gynecomastia, or strained muscles can all cause male breast discomfort. Many of the reasons are benign, but others may need to be treated.
Issues with these are the most common cause of breast discomfort in men. Generally speaking, these issues are curable, and some may resolve themselves.
Mammary glands and Breast Pain are present in both men and females from birth. Usually, when boys reach puberty, the development of the Breast Pain and those glands—which do not function in males—stops. Nonetheless, diseases that damage breast tissue can still harm men.
This in men may be more prevalent than you may expect; however, breast cancer is a relatively uncommon cause of the illness. Non-cancerous disorders or injuries to the Breast pain might be additional reasons. Pain that appears to be coming from the breast might instead be coming from the heart or the chest muscles and tendons.
The following list of common illnesses that cause male breast discomfort includes information on how to identify and treat them.
This article describes the many reasons why men may experience discomfort and edema. It also covers the situations in which this might indicate a more serious issue, such as breast cancer.
The causes and treatments of males are covered in this article.
What Is Male Breast Pain?
Men and boys can also have discomfort in one or both breasts, but this is often linked to women. Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breast pain, is the most common cause of breast discomfort in males. A simple muscular pull might be the cause of this.
This is rarely the cause; however, it is conceivable. Men may experience this. But pain is uncommon as a symptom.
Although this might not be the cause of a major issue, it can greatly affect how someone lives their days and nights. Therefore, if the discomfort persists or returns, a doctor should be seen.
This is a common ailment that affects everyone and is also known as mastalgia. The pain may be throbbing or stabbing, or it may be only moderately painful. Recurring or frequent, this might disrupt your life and make it difficult to carry out your everyday tasks. When persistent, it may also indicate an underlying disease that requires medical attention.
Breast discomfort in persons designated females at birth (AFAB) can be caused by changes in hormones, wearing a bra that doesn’t fit well, or infections. Gynecomastia is the most prevalent cause of breast discomfort in those who were assigned male at birth (AMAB). This is not the primary cause of breast discomfort in most situations.
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Cold sweat
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Other areas of the arms, neck, jaw, or belly that hurt or feel uncomfortable
Breast Problems in Men
Gynecomastia is a condition where this tissue swells as a result of hormonal changes. Despite being innocuous, this ailment can cause discomfort and embarrassment. It might generate a little bump or a greater enlargement, and it can affect one or both breasts. As men age and their body’s levels of male hormones decline, it can frequently happen throughout adolescence.
May cause it, including alcohol and prescription medications as well as recreational substances like cannabis and amphetamines. It is recognized that body-building products, especially anabolic steroids, can result in gynecomastia. Being overweight may have an impact since fat tissue generates more hormones that are specific to women.
Although the majority of male breast pain swellings are benign and safe, it is frequently decided to refer the patient to a breast unit just to be sure. If you are referred, you will be evaluated in the one-stop clinic. We will make an effort to accommodate you if you would like to see a male doctor. Please let us know when you come.
You will undergo an examination of your testicles to check for any swellings, as well as the chest and potentially the belly to check for liver enlargement. This is due to gynecomastia occasionally being brought on by hormonal changes brought on by testicular tumours or liver issues. A breast ultrasound scan and, on occasion, a biopsy may be necessary.
The majority of gynecomastia instances will resolve on their own with time, therefore no action is necessary. If drugs are causing it, quitting them will help, as will cutting back on drinking and, if necessary, dropping weight. Sometimes gynecomastia can be treated with medications like diazole and tamoxifen. Because of their potential for severe adverse effects and lack of a license, these medications are only administered when deemed essential.
Gynecomastia surgery is only available on the NHS in very specific circumstances. Only if financing is authorised will it be feasible, and it will need that you have normal body weight, not be on any medications that can cause gynecomastia, and have at least 200g of Breast Pain removed (about equivalent to a “B” cup bra).
This has nothing to do with gynecomastia. The course of treatment is the same for men and women, although a mastectomy is typically advised because males have far less Breast Pain.
Overview of Breast Pain
Tenderness, throbbing, acute stabbing, scorching pain, or tightness in the Breast Pain are some ways to characterise this. Men, women, and transgender individuals can all experience the discomfort, which can be ongoing or sporadic.
- Only a couple of times every month, during the two to three days preceding a menstrual cycle. Both breasts are affected by this typical mild-to-moderate discomfort.
- Beginning before a period and occasionally lasting during the menstrual cycle, for at least one week per month. Both breasts are affected by moderate to severe discomfort.
- Unrelated to a menstrual cycle, all month long.
The disorder known as “gynecomastia” is its most prevalent cause. An imbalance between the hormones testosterone and oestrogen results in an increase in the amount of tissue seen in the breast glands. One or both breasts, occasionally unevenly, may be affected by gynecomastia.
Breast soreness may result from hormone treatment for transgender women. This could be brought on by the small amount of Breast Pain that transgender males may still have following a mastectomy.
Rarely does breast discomfort imply breast cancer; it usually signifies a noncancerous breast disease. Breast discomfort that doesn’t seem to be connected to hormone changes or that doesn’t go away after one or two menstrual cycles needs to be addressed. It may also continue beyond menopause.
Types of Breast Pain
- Cyclic Breast Pain
Breast Pain of this kind corresponds with your menstrual cycle. It is particularly prevalent in AFAB individuals aged 20 to 50. Natural hormonal fluctuations are usually the cause of breast discomfort, which can affect one or both breasts. Probably a week or so before your menstruation, it happens.
During your monthly cycle, cyclic Breast pain goes on its own, but it comes back before the following one. This kind of discomfort can also occur if you use or switch hormone medications (such as hormone replacement treatment or birth control). The pattern of cyclic breast discomfort is predictable. Since you no longer menstruate, this kind usually disappears after menopause.
- Noncyclic Breast Pain
Your period or menstrual cycle has nothing to do with this kind of Breast pain. It is most prevalent in those over 40 and can persist beyond menopause. The pattern of noncyclic breast discomfort is unpredictable. It might be chronic and ongoing or sporadic. One breast in a particular location is typically affected by this kind. A benign (noncancerous) Breast Pain, injury, or breast size are the most common causes of noncyclic Breast Pain.
How Often Does Someone Get Breast Pain?
This is a regular occurrence. Breast discomfort will occur at least once for about 70% of AFAB individuals. For those who have not yet reached menopause, this is more prevalent.
People who are AMAB have a little lower rate, with between 50% and 65% of them reporting breast soreness at some point. Most causes of Breast Pain are not life-threatening or serious; it should be noted.
What Further Signs of Male Breast Tenderness May There Be?
Depending on the underlying reason, men and boys may just have breast discomfort, but other symptoms may also be present. If a kid or man develops gynecomastia, he will also see swelling or enlargement of the Breast Pain.
Skin alterations, such as dimpling or puckering
- Breast lump
- Testicular lump.
- Discharge from the breasts
- Spreading shoulder pain
In addition to identifying any abnormalities in the testicles or breast region, any skin changes or drainage from the nipple may indicate malignancy. Consult your physician very away for a diagnosis so that, if necessary, you can begin treatment right once.
- One breast, in one particular location, is hurting.
- A sharper, more intense ache.
- There was a stabbing, searing feeling in that one spot.
Signs of Breast Cancer That Has Returned
Which bodily area the cancer has spread to determines the symptoms. It most frequently affects the brain, liver, lungs, or bones, although it can spread anywhere.
- Experiencing fatigue or lacking vitality
- Appetite loss or unintentional weight loss
- Feeling ill without a known reason
- Feeling or being ill
- Difficulties falling asleep
Men’s Top Breast Pain
- Breast Fat Necrosis
This can result from any type of damage, such as a vehicle accident, sports injury, etc. Many breast lumps may develop as a result of this type of damage. It looks bruised and swollen. A tiny number of males may be affected, even though it is an uncommon illness in men.
This problem can be diagnosed using an ultrasound. It can assess the extent of additional therapy and is painless. Surgery to remove the necrotic tissue is part of the therapy. This problem may occasionally go away on its own.
- Muscle strain
Overdoing some workouts, including the bench press, rugby, or football, might increase your chance of developing pectoralis major or minor muscle soreness in your chest.
- Chest and hand pain
- A malformation or the chest
- Deficiency
The severity of muscle damage can be diagnosed via a physical examination. Your physician might suggest more tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to make a diagnosis and guide future care.
Rest, administering heat, stretching exercises, and, in the event of a real strain or rupture, surgery are the primary lines of therapy. It takes roughly six months to heal and resume an active lifestyle.
The chest is mostly composed of two muscles: the pectoralis major and minor. A strain may result from doing weighted chest workouts or from applying too much pressure to the muscles.
Muscle tension can be relieved by resting. A doctor could recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or physical therapy if resting doesn’t help. To mend a major tear, surgery could be required.
- Breast cancer
When a man has aching nipples, what does it mean? Breast cancer is a possibility. Though it doesn’t always start with nipple pain, breast cancer in males is uncommon and often manifests as skin or a lump. Other symptoms include skin puckering or dimpling in addition to discomfort. Redness and discharge from the nipples are other symptoms.
A mammography can assist in the diagnosis of breast discomfort or a lump. Occasionally, a doctor may suggest that a lump is malignant. There are several phases of treatment, including hormone therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapy. These therapies are all unique and tailored to the needs of the patient.
- Alterations in breast tissue’s size or form
- Nipple discharge that might be bloody
- Additional changes to the nipples, such as inversion, discoloration, or rash
- Chest sores or ulcers that are open
Depending on the kind and degree of breast cancer, several treatments are used. In certain instances, doctors will remove the tumor by surgery. If there are hormone receptors in the tumor, hormone therapy is an additional therapeutic option.
- Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a disorder that can result from an imbalance in hormones. Young people who have an excess of Breast Pain develop “moobs,” or man boobs. It can also cause breast discomfort and make men self-conscious about their looks. The following conditions can induce gynecomastia: alcoholism, liver illness, testicular disorders, renal problems, obesity, HIV infection, stress, hyperthyroidism, and heroin or marijuana misuse.
Additionally, a blood test and a mammography followed by an MRI or biopsy are advised for the same. Testicular ultrasonography is advised in certain situations. It is possible to remove excess fat via liposuction. Another name for this procedure, which helps remove excess Breast Pain, is a mastectomy.
In certain instances, it may also be a sign of further underlying illnesses, such as renal failure or liver disease.
The reason may determine how this illness is treated. To reduce Breast Pain growth, for instance, it may be necessary to treat any diseases or medications that are contributing to the growth. Some decide to have the tissue removed surgically.
- Fibroadenoma
Although it can affect men as well, fibroglybular glandular Breast Pain is more frequently observed in women. Since men’s breasts do not include fibroblast glandular tissue, it is uncommon to discover males with this ailment. The marble-like structure is hard, spherical, and bumpy.
Investigative procedures like a biopsy and ultrasound are part of the diagnosis, which identifies the true cause of the mass.
Nowadays, a lumpectomy is necessary, and a surgeon makes tiny incisions to start the healing process. Another minimally invasive procedure called cryoablation freezes or destroys the fibroadenoma by inserting a thin band into the breast and releasing a very small quantity of gas. Occasionally, the illness might go away on its own.
- Jogger’s nipple
Running might irritate the skin for some people. Against a vest or shirt, the nipple may begin to chafe. The nipple may get painful from the chafing.
Cleaning the region with water and mild soap is one way for people to treat jogger’s nipples. Give the nipple time to recover when it is totally dry. A little pause from jogging or bandaging the nipples may be necessary for this.
How Does Pain From Breast Cancer Feel?
This is not necessarily associated with aching breasts. However, if you do, you can have a throbbing or aching spot in your breast. More often, breast cancer results in a change in the texture of your skin. The skin may become heated and uncomfortable, or it may dimple like an orange’s skin. You could also experience changes to your nipples, such as discharge or inversion (turning inward).
Which Type Of Breast Discomfort Is Concerning?
Contacting a healthcare physician may be necessary if breast discomfort persists for more than two weeks or if the pain is unexpected. It’s also worthwhile to contact your healthcare practitioner if you experience postmenopausal breast discomfort.
When Only One Breast Hurts, Is That Normal?
Yes. Either one or both breasts may experience soreness. Although this isn’t always the case, hormonal fluctuations often impact both breasts. Likewise, an illness or virus may just impact one breast. It may also impact both. Seeing a medical professional is always the best option for a precise diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Breast Pain
First, a doctor will ask about symptoms and lifestyle to diagnose breast discomfort. Regarding workout habits, for instance, they could enquire.
A physical examination may be conducted by the physician to evaluate the Breast Pain. The first thing they will want to do is rule out serious illnesses like breast cancer.
Doctors search for breast or armpit lumps or swellings, which are indicators of malignancy. If the physician suspects breast cancer, more testing, including a biopsy, ultrasound scan, or mammography, will be necessary.
Diagnosis may also be aided by further testing. An ultrasound or CT scan, for instance, might be useful in the diagnosis of gynecomastia or a cyst.
Common Causes of Breast Pain
There may be a clear external explanation for this, such as sports injuries or discomfort from latching while chestfeeding. But sometimes the cause isn’t as obvious as this.
For additional information on some potential causes of Breast Pain as well as management advice, continue reading.
- Hormonal changes
Usually, hormonal changes before menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause are linked to swollen or tender breasts. Usually causing soreness in both breasts, this kind of breast pain can even spread to the armpit.
This is referred to as cyclic breast discomfort when it is associated with the menstrual cycle. Known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), this can happen alone or as a component of a group of symptoms that precede a period.
Even though PMS is a transient condition, people can manage their symptoms by using over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, wearing supportive, comfortable bras, and applying mild heat to reduce discomfort.
- Bra fit
Bras that are overly tight or have an underwire that pierces the skin or breast tissue might hurt the breasts.
Many department stores provide free bra fittings so that customers may choose their size. Should women feel pain before their period, they might want to choose supportive, comfy, and non-wired bras.
Exercise can also benefit from wearing supportive bras. When wearing a sports bra while exercising, 60–70% of women experience decreased breast discomfort.
- Mastitis
Infections are the most common cause. The illness can occur in persons who are not breastfeeding, although it most commonly affects those who are.
Antibiotics are the therapy for an infection. It is also necessary for a person who is breastfeeding to empty their breasts of milk. Doctors will either remove the pus with a needle or drain it surgically if there is an abscess.
- Medicines
- Digitalis compounds, like digoxin, are used to treat irregular heartbeats and congestive heart failure.
- The drug chlorpromazine is used to treat mental health
- Some potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone or eplerenone
- Methyldopa, a medication used to treat hypertension
Individuals who experience breast discomfort should consult a physician to determine whether any of their drugs may be contributing to their symptoms.
- Tissue scarring
Scar tissue can occur as a result of radiation therapy or surgery for breast cancer. This may cause discomfort, numbness, and changes in the texture and appearance of the breasts.
- Physical treatment
- Surgical excision of scar tissue
- Use of ointments and lotions to minimize the look
- Costochondritis
The illness may start gradually or suddenly and can cause soreness and acute pain in the chest.
- Staying away from activities that exacerbate the discomfort
- Heating the area
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Shots of corticosteroids
- Chest wall pain
Even though this discomfort is not originating from the breast, it might occasionally seem that way.
From a single spot to a large region of the breast, the discomfort might vary in intensity.
- Bruising
- Broken Ribs
- Gallstones
- Angina
- Autoimmune Conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis
Depending on the underlying reason, the course of therapy may include pain management and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain until the underlying cause has been addressed.
- Breast cysts
Breast cysts are sacs that contain fluid. Premenopausal women are more likely to have them, and they are noncancerous and comparatively mild. While some cysts may not create symptoms, others might cause nipple discharge and discomfort.
Treatment is not necessary for cysts unless they are very big or painful. A needle is used to remove the fluid if therapy is required.
Preventing Breast Pain in Men
Sometimes the reasons for breast discomfort cannot be avoided. For instance, the etiology of fibroadenomas or cysts is sometimes unclear.
- But some of the reasons, like strained muscles, may be avoided.
- To prevent damage, progressively increase the resistance of chest workouts.
- Preserving appropriate form when performing workouts
- Including enough rest periods in between chest exercises
- Applying protection pads or lubricant to the nipple before jogging
- Steer clear of hormone-affecting medications, such as anabolic steroids, whenever you can.
How Is Breast Pain Treated?
- Wearing a supportive bra that fits properly. Over time, breast size and form vary. Make sure you are regularly fitted for the appropriate bra size.
- Steer clear of tobacco products, such as cigarettes.
- Removing caffeine.
- Heat should be applied to the breast’s most uncomfortable spot while taking care to shield your skin.
- Consuming supplements of vitamin E. According to several research, this can assist those who have breast pain from their periods.
- Rubbing your breasts with evening primrose oil. This may lessen breast discomfort, according to some research.
- Supplementing with magnesium. These may help alleviate some of your symptoms if taken throughout your menstrual cycle, about two weeks before your period.
- Using diolamine salicylate lotion that is available over-the-counter (OTC) to relieve pains and aches.
Due to their lack of research, some of these therapies might not be effective for everyone. Consult your healthcare physician to find out whether they believe any of the aforementioned therapies will be beneficial for you.
How Long Does Soreness In The Breasts Last?
Every menstrual cycle before menopause is likely to cause cyclic breast discomfort. This is a fairly persistent problem, but how you choose to manage it—using various painkillers and lifestyle modifications—determines how bad the pain is.
Noncyclic breast discomfort can also be managed with medicines and lifestyle modifications. However, in the case of this kind of pain, your doctor could suggest medication or treatment tailored to the underlying reason.
This can have many different reasons. The majority of reasons are not severe, and some can disappear on their own.
Rarely, the discomfort could be caused by breast cancer or another dangerous illness. You must consult a physician right once if the discomfort is accompanied by swelling, a lump, or obvious changes to the skin or nipples.
For inquiries or problems, get in touch with a Medypharmacy Site or your healthcare professional.
