Contents:
- Medical Video: Breast Cancer | Breast Biopsy | Nucleus Health
- Causes of lumps in men's breasts
- 1. Breast cancer
- 2. Gynecomastia
- 3. Fibroadenoma
- How to diagnose a lump in a man's breast?
Medical Video: Breast Cancer | Breast Biopsy | Nucleus Health
If a lump in a woman's breast is mostly identified with cancer, then a lump in a man's breast is often questioned. Tumors or breast cancer in men may occur, only the case is fairly rare. Then, what is the cause of a lump in a man's breast?
Causes of lumps in men's breasts
Male breasts are composed of various types of tissue. These tissues can experience swelling until a lump is formed. Lumps in men's breasts are not common. However, some men experience this. This lump can mark a non-cancerous breast disorder or it can also be caused by a hormonal system disorder. Here are some of the causes of lumps in men's breasts.
1. Breast cancer
Cases of breast cancer in men are very rare. According to the National Cancer Institute, the figure is less than one percent of all incidents. This cancer generally develops tissue located behind the nipple, in the form of a hard lump without pain. Men who experience it will likely experience changes in skin color and texture on the nipples.
Most cases are found in older men, around the age of 60 years and above. However, it does not rule out the possibility that this cancer will develop at a younger age.
The experts have not been able to ascertain what causes breast cancer in men. However, some of these things can increase a man's risk of developing breast cancer, namely:
- Excessive radiation exposure
- Has a history of breast cancer that afflicts a female family
- Inherit mutations of certain genes such as the BRCA2 gene
- Has a genetic disorder called klinefelter syndrome where a man has an excess of X chromosome
- Have severe liver disease or liver cirrhosis
2. Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a non-cancerous disorder characterized by an increase and swelling of breast tissue in men due to an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Lumps usually appear on one or both breasts, sometimes evenly uneven. Sometimes it hurts, but sometimes it doesn't feel anything.
Gynecomastia usually forms at the age of puberty and older age. This disease is often caused by hormonal effects and certain drugs. Men with gynecomastia generally have special health backgrounds such as liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, excessive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or inactivity (hypothyroidism), and testicular tumors.
Gynecomastia can disappear by itself. If this condition persists for a long time, you can check with your doctor and start the treatment process until surgery to eliminate it.
3. Fibroadenoma
Fibroadenoma is the growth of a non-cancerous lump that usually feels soft and supple when held. Generally fibroadenoma occurs in women aged 20 years. This tumor consists of breast and stromal tissue which can affect one or both breasts.
Experts have not found the exact cause of this disease in men. Hormone imbalance can be one of the causes. Even unhealthy lifestyles usually encourage the growth of these tumors. The percentage of occurrences in men is indeed small, but it does not rule out the possibility that men will experience it.
How to diagnose a lump in a man's breast?
During the first examination, the doctor may ask questions such as how long the lump has lodged, whether it feels painful or not, or what medicines you are taking. The doctor will also conduct a series of examinations, including:
- Lump biopsy
- Mammogram (breast ultrasound)
- Microscopic evaluation of cells in the nipple
- MRI to examine lymph nodes and surrounding tissue
- Hormone levels in the blood
If you or the closest person to detect a lump around the breast, it's good to immediately consult a doctor.
