Enlargement of Breasts in Males (Gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia usually looks and feels like a button-sized growth below your nipple. You may be able to view this as a breast lump or feel it when you press on the area. 

• Rubbery or Firm Sensation: This rubberiness or firmness is usually located directly under the nipple and may create a distinct lump, which is different from the diffuse, softer feel of chest fat. 
• Tenderness or Sensitivity: Ranges from mild discomfort to pain, especially when pressed.
• Changes in Nipple Position or Size: As the tissue builds up beneath it, the nipple may begin to project outward more noticeably. This protrusion can make the nipple more prominent, sometimes extending further than the surrounding chest area, and may appear asymmetrical if one side is affected more than the other.
• Skin Stretching: The skin over the breast might appear thin or stretched, occasionally leading to itchiness.
• Nipple Discharge: Fluid coming out of one or both breast nipples. While gynecomastia itself is often benign, nipple discharge—especially if it is spontaneous or bloody—requires immediate medical attention, as it may suggest infections, hormonal imbalances, or, in rare cases, male breast cancer.

If you have the symptoms above, it is essential to consult an Endocrinologist. If gynecomastia is left untreated, it can lead to several common complications, including chronic pain and tenderness, low self-esteem, anxiety, and body image concerns. Although rare, persistent gynecomastia has been associated with a slight increase in male breast cancer risk due to hormonal changes. An Endocrinologist can assess hormonal imbalances and recommend treatment to prevent these complications, promoting both physical and psychological well-being.