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Last updated: June 18, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Male Breast Lump

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gynecomastia: This is the most common cause of male breast lump, accounting for approximately 85% of cases. It is characterized by the benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue in males, often due to hormonal imbalance.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Lipoma: A benign tumor composed of fat tissue, which can occur in the breast area of males.
  • Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that can develop in the breast tissue of males, similar to those found in females.
  • Pseudogynecomastia: Also known as "false gynecomastia," this condition involves the accumulation of fat in the breast area, mimicking the appearance of gynecomastia but without the glandular tissue proliferation.
  • Breast abscess: An infection of the breast tissue that can cause a lump, more common in males with risk factors such as diabetes or immunocompromised states.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Male Breast Cancer: Although rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, breast cancer in men is often diagnosed at a later stage, making early detection crucial. Risk factors include family history, BRCA2 mutations, and radiation exposure.
  • Testicular cancer metastasis: Testicular cancer can metastasize to the breast, presenting as a lump. Given the aggressive nature of testicular cancer, early detection is vital.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Phyllodes tumor: A rare tumor of the breast that can be benign, borderline, or malignant. It is more common in females but can occur in males.
  • Sarcoma: A rare type of cancer that can occur in the breast tissue of males, including angiosarcoma or liposarcoma.
  • Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels, which can occur in the breast tissue due to trauma or anticoagulant therapy.
  • Granulomatous mastitis: A rare inflammatory condition of the breast that can mimic cancer or infection, often associated with autoimmune disorders or infections.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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