Most causes of breast pain in men are problems with the breast tissue. These problems are usually treatable, and some will go away on their own.
This article discusses several causes of breast pain and how to treat them.
Causes
Some common conditions that may cause breast pain in men include:
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that causes abnormal growth and swelling of the breasts in men of all ages. Changes in shape or size vary and may cause pain.
Gynecomastia can be caused by a hormone imbalance, where estrogen increases, and testosterone decreases. Obesity and aging are other possible causes of this condition.
Cysts
A cyst is a lump under the skin that contains fluid or air. They are usually harmless, but sometimes they become sores.
A cyst on the breast is a possible cause of pain in the area.
Muscle Strain
The pectoralis major and minor are the two main muscles that make up the chest.
Doing heavy chest exercises or putting too much stress on the muscles can cause strain.
Breast fat Necrosis
Fat necrosis occurs when fat tissue is damaged. Breast surgery or biopsy can sometimes cause this loss.
Fat necrosis of the breast can produce a lump but is not cancerous.
Jogger’s Nipple
Some people experience skin irritation from running. The nipple can start to chafe against a top or vest.
The chafing can cause the nipple to become sore.
Fibroadenoma
Another non-cancerous lump that can form on the breasts is a fibroadenoma. They are the most common type of breast tumor but are rare in men.
The cause of fibroadenoma is unclear, but most do not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer
Although it is rare, breast cancer can occur in men.
Breast cancer causes tumors to grow in the breast or armpit, which can cause aches and pains in the area.
Other Possible Causes
Problems in other areas of the body can also cause breast pain. Some examples include:
- Liver disease
- Heart or lung disease
- Burning sensation in chest and stomach
- Medications, such as antidepressants
- Back, neck, or shoulder injuries
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the chances of breast pain from any of the above causes. Examples include:
- Use of anabolic steroids, which may increase the risk of gynecomastia.
- Training the chest muscles too regularly or too intensely
- Walking long distances without nipple protection
- Breast surgery
Prevention
It is not always possible to prevent the causes of breast pain. For example, it’s not always clear what causes cysts or fibroadenomas.
However, some causes, such as muscle strains, are preventable. Some prevention tips include:
- Avoiding high-intensity chest exercise
- Gradually increase the resistance of chest exercises
- Include plenty of rest time between chest exercises.
- Applying nipple lube or protective clothing before running
- Avoidance of anabolic steroids or other drugs that affect hormones where possible.
There are many possible causes of breast pain. Most causes are harmless, and some will go away on their own.
In rare cases, the pain could be a result of breast cancer or other serious diseases. It is essential to check for other signs of cancer and see a doctor right away in these cases.
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