Why Do I Have a Lump Under My Nipple? What Men Should Know

Finding a lump under your nipple can be scary. A lump may show up while you are bathing, changing clothes or simply touching your chest.

Some men may ignore a lump thinking it is only fat or a result of working out. Others may feel too embarrassed to talk about a lump.

A lump is something you should not ignore.

There are various reasons why men develop lumps in their chest. Most lumps are not cancer. However, some lumps could be a sign of breast cancer.

So let us understand why Lumps occur and When to be worried.

What Causes a Lump Under the Nipple in Men?

A lump under the nipple does not always mean something. Here are some common reasons for a lump.

1. Hormonal Changes

Men have two sex hormones: testosterone and estrogen.

Testosterone is the male hormone. Oestrogen is also present in men. In smaller amounts.

When the balance between these hormones changes, breast tissue can start to grow. This can cause a lump under the nipple.

A lump can happen during puberty as men get older or due to health problems.

2. Gynaecomastia (Breast Growth in Men)

Gynaecomastia is a condition in which men develop extra breast tissue, causing their chest to look fuller.

It can cause:

• A lump under one or both nipples.
• Swelling in the chest.
• Tenderness when touching the area.
• One side of the chest is bigger than the other.

It is quite common. It is usually not cancer.

In some cases a lump may go away on its own. In some cases treatment may be needed.

3. Fat Build-Up Around the Chest

Sometimes the chest may look bigger because of fat.

This is common in men who’re overweight. The chest may look swollen.

Losing weight may help reduce the fat. However if you can feel a lump under your nipple get a lump checked.

4. Side Effects of Medicines

Some medicines can cause breast tissue to grow in men.

These may include medicines used to treat:

• Prostate problems.
• Heart conditions.
• Stomach problems.
• Mental health conditions.

If you notice a lump after starting a medicine, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicine without advice.

5. Male Breast Cancer

Many men are unaware that they can get breast cancer too.

Men too have some breast tissue behind their nipples. Cancer can develop in this tissue.

A lump caused by breast cancer may feel hard. May not cause pain.

Other signs include:

• A lump in one breast.
• A nipple that starts turning.
• Fluid or blood coming from the nipple.
• Changes in the skin around the nipple.
• Swelling in the armpit.

These signs do not always mean cancer. If you notice any of them, see a doctor.

How Do I Know If the Lump Is Serious?

You cannot tell whether a lump is cancer by touching a lump.

Some harmless lumps can feel firm. Some cancer lumps may not cause pain.

However, do not ignore these changes:

• A lump under or near your nipple.
• A lump that keeps getting bigger.
• Swelling in one breast.
• Changes in the nipple.
• Blood or fluid coming from the nipple.
• A lump in your armpit.

It is better to get a lump checked than wait for it to become painful.

What Will the Doctor Do?

The doctor will first examine your chest. Ask when you noticed a lump.

The doctor may also ask about medicines, health problems and other symptoms.

Depending on what the doctor finds you may need:

• Ultrasound—to look at a lump.
• Mammogram: visualizes breast tissue.
• Blood tests: To check your hormone levels and other health issues.
• Biopsy: To remove a small sample of a lump and test it for cancer.

You may not need all of these tests. The doctor will make a determination of a condition.

Is Lump Under Nipple Treatable?

Yes. Treatment depends on the cause of the lump.

If the lump is caused by a change, the doctor may treat the cause.

If medicines are the cause, the doctor may review your medication. This helps to see if the medicine is causing the lump.

If the cause is extra fat, losing weight could help. Losing body fat can make the lump smaller.

In some cases medicines or surgery may be needed if the cause is gynecomastia. The doctor will examine the lump and determine the treatment.

If the cause is breast cancer, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or hormone treatment. All these options are aimed at the lump and its cells.

The first thing is to figure out what is causing the lump. The steps are determined by the cause.

When should men do a lump check?

Don’t wait for the lump to grow or become painful. Treatment early on prevents complications.

If you find a lump, swelling, nipple changes, or any unusual fluid from your nipple, see a doctor. The doctor will look at the lump. May perform tests.

Also, don’t be embarrassed to talk about changes in your chest. Men can also have breast problems.

A lump can develop under your nipple due to something. It’s important to know what’s behind the lump. Getting the lump checked early can help you get the care you need.

Our specialists at MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai, treat men suffering from breast-related problems including breast cancer.

Doctor details:
Dr. Veda Padma Priya
Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant
Breast Oncology