Are lumps behind a man's nipple symptom of gynecomastia or cancer?

No: A small lump behind the nipple in young (pre-teen or adolescent) males is normal. It is part of the hormonal changes we all go through as we pass through puberty. Breast masses in older males should be evaluated by a physician, especially if any first degree relatives have had breast cancer.

Yes: They can be either. It requires physical examination by a physician, possible mammography and/or ultrasound, and in some cases, biopsy, in order to determine whether a lump in a male breast is cancer or gynecomastia.

Anatomy of lumps: Firm tissue under nipples can be fat, gland, scar tissue, or tumor. Male breast cancer is quite rare. Although fat tends to be soft and gland firm, gland can be soft and fat firm. Check out anatomy of puffy nipple gynecomastia http://www.Plasticsurgery4u.Com/procedure_folder/male_breast/puffynipple_anatomy.Htm use the roll overs to see varying components for contour deformity.

Male Breast Lump: Although it can be either it is most commonly benign. See a doctor for an exam and to be sure a biopsy would make the diagnosis.