14 and lump under nipple...?

Question

Hi there, I am 14 and male and I have recently acquired a lump under my right nipple. It hurts when I push it, but only then. It is only small, but I want to know what it entails... Please can someone help?

Answer 1

"Lumps of one kind or another are a common reason for a visit to the doctor's office.There are five stages of the changes that occur during puberty, called Tanner stages or Sexual Maturity Rating (SMR) stages. Breast lumps in boys are common during SMR 3 and SMR 4.

In the same way, many adolescent boys develop gynecomastia--true mammary breast tissue in a male--during SMR 3. The firm lump may occur under only one nipple, under both nipples, or under the two at different rates or sizes. The lumps are often tender when they are growing the fastest. In at least 90% of kids, these will go away on their own. They may disappear as quickly as in a few months, but it is not unusual for them to last up to 2 years (Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, WB Saunders, 1996). In some children, they may persist without being a problem. Gynecomastia occurs in at least 40% to 60% of boys (Fortschritte der Medizin, 1998; 116:23--26).

Gynecomastia can run in families, and when it does, the disappearance pattern tends to be similar in the family. Gynecomastia can happen in boys of any size but it is more common in bigger teens--either taller, heavier, or both. Obesity can certainly be a cause of gynecomastia in some children (Clinical Pediatrcs, 1998; 37:367--371).

Gynecomastia is different, though, than fatty tissue in the breast area. Boys tend to store extra fat in the upper body (breast and abdomen area),

Here are times to worry about lumps in a boy's breast:

If they begin before age 10 years or after age 15 years (especially after puberty is complete)
If they are not directly under the nipple
If there is overlying dimpling of the skin or skin ulceration
If the they feel fixed to the skin
If they are large--over 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter
If they don't go away within 2 years
If the nipples leak milk, blood, or other fluid
If there are other signs of disease--night sweats or weight loss, for example

These are all situations in which a breast lump should definitely be examined, in addition to the important regularly scheduled physicals during the puberty years. These children should have a careful physical examination right away. They should probably have an endocrinology (hormone) workup and perhaps an ultrasound or a mammogram, depending on the exam.


If normal, benign gynecomastia is bothersome, either because it is large or because it doesn't go away as puberty progresses, treatment is possible. Sometimes hormones are given to try to shrink the breast tissue. Alternatively, the mammary breast tissue can be removed. A tiny incision is made under the armpit, and the tissue is removed with a fiberoptic scope. The results are great, and the scar is small and inconspicuous (Annals of Plastic Surgery, 1998; 40:62--64)."

Answer 2

Hi, I had a similar sounding lump just at the back of my neck, quite hard but no pain from it unless touched. It turned out to be a cyst which is harmless and can be removed by a g.p. at your surgery or as in my case has been left alone because it isnt a necessity to remove it(personal choice). The best thing is not to sit worrying about it but just to get down to the doctors and have it checked and your mind put at ease one way or the other. Good luck

Answer 3

Go to your doctor and have him check it out breast health is important for males just as much as females. But too put your mind at ease this sounds like a cyst because it hurts anything else when push does not actually hurt (cancerous lumps) I know this through experience
Get yourself checked over today!

Answer 4

If as the doctor says they will go when puberty is about complete , then you should be satisfied with that knowing it is nothing sinister !! as for changing rooms , I would hope that the other guys have better things to do with them selves rather than search out your chest !!! I know these sort of things can be embarrassing , especially at 14 , but just go about your business quietly when in the changing room , I am sure no one will notice as these things are often only obvious to the person who has them. I hope these go away permanently soon and you can get on with life without this hanging over you .

Answer 5

Like others said go see you doctor but try not to worry. I had lumps under both my nipples at your age, i dont think they hurt much though. The doctor told me it was quite common during puberty. But get it checked out anyway mate.

Answer 6

Go to the Doc. It could be just a irritated gland or a cyst. Have the Doc take a peek and treat it accordingly. Don't ever hesitate to go to the Doc when something is not the norm. Best of luck.

Answer 7

It may be a sign of puberty kicking in, I remember catching a football once and caught it in the wrong spot......DAMN!!.....I had it hit on the right then the left then they were gone...if in doubt go have a doctor look it over.......at 14 all kinda weird stuff starts happening to the body, so hold on lol..........riff

Answer 8

I know this probably sounds weird, but it is just the growth of breast tissue due to hormonal changes as you commence puberty. I know that you're a boy, it is nothing to worry about, it happens to everybody. It will go down and stop hurting, but if you are concerned about it, you should go and talk to your doctor.

Answer 9

In all probablity it is sebacious cyst however, to be sure it's the doctors for you young man. Don't worry it will be fine. Tell your Ma she can help you get a doctors appointment LIKE SOON NOW!

Answer 10

go see a doctor immediately. no one on here can tell u what's that lump under your nipple.