What Causes Pain in Left Breast in Men?
More often than not any concerns a man may have concerning his breasts are not brought up. This is due to modern societies infatuation with breasts on women.
There are many causes for pain under the left breast in males, ranging from hormones to different kinds of cancers. In this article, we will discuss what causes this pain and how to potentially treat it.
What Causes Pain in Left Breast in Men?
Males and females are both born with breast tissue and mammary glands. The development of these areas in men typically stops when boys hit puberty.
However, because of the presence of these tissues, men are still at risk for conditions affecting breast tissue. What causes pain under the left breast in males?
In most cases, male breast pain can be attributed to an injury of some sort.
But, there are cases where it is the sign of a larger health condition. Listed below are causes for pain in the left breast in males.
1. Breast fat necrosis
When breast tissue is badly damaged the tissue can just die rather than repair itself. When this happens, a lump or multiple lumps can form in the breast.
The skin around the lump may also appear red or bruised. It may start to look dimpled. This can cause pain under the left breast in males. Breast fat necrosis is relatively rare in males.
It can be diagnosed by a physical exam accompanied by an ultrasound. This is a painless and noninvasive procedure.
2. Muscle strain
If you do a lot of weightlifting, or your job involves heavy lifting, you are at risk for muscle strain. This is an injury to the pectoralis major or pectoralis minor.
They are the two main muscles in the chest. The tendons that attach these muscles to bones are also at risk of strains or tears. Sharp breast pain in men from muscle strain is the sign of a severe strain or tear.
This can be diagnosed from the symptoms of chest and arm pain, weakness, possible deformity of the affected chest and arm.
Also Read: Pain in Left Rib Cage
3. Breast cancer
Initial symptoms of male breast cancer often include changes in the skin or a lump, but not pain. However, pain in the breast can develop. Skin puckering or dimpling is common.
There may also be redness and sometimes discharge from the nipple. This can cause sharp breast pain in men.
Your doctor may order a mammogram to better evaluate a suspicious lump or pain in the breast. An ultrasound and MRI may also be helpful.
4. Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs when there’s an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It results in an overgrowth of breast tissue in young and adult males.
It can make them feel self-conscious, but it can also cause male breast pain.
5. Runner’s nipple
It’s not uncommon for men to develop irritated or bloody nipples from jogging. Just as friction over other areas of the body can cause discomfort, friction over the nipples can result in pain and bleeding.
This usually will result in a dull pain under the left breast in men.
Also Read: What Causes Chest Pain When Bending Over?
How to Treat Pain in Left Breast in Males?
Now that we know what causes pain under left breast males, we can properly treat it. If you or someone you know is suffering from pain in left breast in males, then you are probably wondering how to treat male breast pain.
There are a variety of ways that you can treat pain in left breast in males without having to go to the doctor’s office. Most of the items can be purchased at your local grocery store.
Be sure to consult with your doctor about any allergies you may have before beginning any at home treatment.
Also Read: Pain under Right Rib Cage
If the pain does not subside after treatment, make sure you consult with your physician as this may be the result of an underlying health condition. Listed below are several ways for how to treat male breast pain.
1. Ice pack
Pain in left breast in males can be alleviated with something as simple as an ice pack. the cold temperature will numb the tender area as well as reduce swelling and pain.
Place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it with a washcloth. Apply this ice pack to the affected area for about 10 minutes. Repeat a few times a day until you feel better.
2. Self-massage
Self-massaging the breasts will help reduce inflammation as well as improve blood circulation. This will help maintain healthy breast tissues and more nutrients will reach the breasts to prevent pain and tenderness.
When you are in the shower, soap the affected breast and then gently massage them for a few minutes from the center of your chest out to your armpits. This may help with any pain on left side under breast.
3. Evening primrose oil
One of the best treatments for breast pain is evening primrose oil. This oil contains the active ingredient gamolenic acid (GCA), a kind of fatty acid that helps the body respond well to hormonal changes.
This, in turn, eases breast tenderness and pain. Apply evening primrose oil externally on your breasts and massage gently for a few minutes.
4. Castor oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that greatly help relieve breast pain.
It also increases circulation, so that nutrients reach the cells, and waste products and inflammatory factors are removed from the body. Mix 1 tablespoon of castor oil with 2 tablespoons of any lighter oil, such as olive oil.
Conclusion
Pain in left breast in males can be caused by any number of different things. Usually, this is from a minor injury and is able to be treated easily from home.
If you are experiencing pain on the left side under the breast and it does not subside, you should seek medical attention.
Sources:
National Cancer Institute. Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ) – Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/male-breast-treatment-pdq, Last accessed July 28, 2018.
