When Should You Worry About Your Male Breasts?

Male breasts

If you notice a change in your Male breasts, such as one or both feeling tender or they are swollen, Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. recommends that you see your doctor for an evaluation. If it is determined that you have gynecomastia, which is benign, treatment is not required unless it is causing emotional distress then male breast reduction surgery would be recommended.

Determining the Cause of Gynecomastia

When seeing a physician for male breast abnormalities, some of the questions you may be asked are:
• When did you first notice that your breasts became swollen?
• Do you feel any pain?
• How much alcohol do you consume?
• Do you take any supplements or steroids?
• Do you take any legal or illegal drugs?

Additional questions may include:
• Is there any family history of breast cancer?
• Do you have Klinefelter’s Syndrome?
• Do you have Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
• Have you taken estrogen therapy for prostate cancer?

If your doctor feels anything is suspicious, you may be referred to an endocrinologist for further evaluation.

Men have both male and female hormones with the male hormone more dominant. However, if something is blocking the male hormone, testosterone, the female hormone, estrogen may become dominate and male breasts may develop.

Male Breast: Men Get Breast Cancer Too

Breast cancer in men is very rare but does occur in about 1 out of 1,000 men, usually between 60 and 70 years of age. It is imperative to be aware of the symptoms to watch for such as:
• A mass on one side that is fast-growing
• Discharge from the nipple, either bloody or milky
• Changes in the breast skin

Breast cancer for men can be more serious than for women because it usually is not diagnosed as early. When the cancer is not caught early, it may have spread to the lymph nodes.

Call for a Consultation Today!

Dr. Delgado warns men to seek medical attention right away if they notice any changes in their breasts so that appropriate treatment can commence. Miguel Delgado, M.D. has been treating gynecomastia patients since 1989 and is an expert in his field. Call now (415) 898-4161 if you have any concerns about your male breasts.