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Q: i am 13 and have a small hard lump under my left nipple which hurts when i put pressure on it,what could it be?
Hi Ben - This is a very common condition in boys your age. It's called gynecomastia; about half of all boys experience it as they go through puberty, around ages 13-15. It may take a couple of years, but it should eventually disappear; in the meantime, you might find the lump feeling sore or tender sometimes. I'd suggest mentioning it at your next physical, or if you get a sports physical at school; a doctor or nurse could reassure you about this, OK? In the meantime, if it gets a lot larger or painful, best to tell an adult; you may have an infection of some kind starting. Good luck - PJH
could it be cancerous? or is it nothing really?
Sorry, Ben - I thought I'd posted this answer earlier. The chance of you having breat cancer is way, way, WAY less than 1 in a million, so please don't worry about that. However, since you seem quite worried about this, why not tell your mom or dad? They can reassure you that this is a normal part of growing up. It may be embarrassing to talk about this with your parents, but the alternative is to sit and worry... Action trumps worry any day, and doing things you find uncomfortable is a sign you're growing up. So - go for it, OK? PJH
thanks alot,i was just very worried as i am a very panicy person,but you've been great help,on telling me my chances on getting breast cancer are,i was just wondering though,some sites i've read say it should go away in 6 months,your a doctor i think though,how long would it normally take?
Ben, I'm not a doctor - just a well-read breast cancer survivor. It MIGHT go away within 6 months... but it might also take 2 or 3 years. Either way, believe that it WILL go away. Puberty is tough - lots of changes happening, and they're unpredictable. Your body is operating on its own timetable, and you can't rely on things happening "according to schedule." So please don't worry if the lump's still there in 6 months, OK? So long as it doesn't grow wildly and seem like an infection, you should be OK. And really, you should tell your doctor next time you have a physical - or tell your parents. Either way, it's good for an adult to know what's going on with you. Take care- PJH
thanks,my mum and dad both know,and my mum is taking me to the doctors next monday,do you think they'll just tell me its puberty?
Yes, I absolutely think that's what they'll tell you. Let me know how it goes, OK? PJH
thats good news. you've really helped me with my worries,i very much appreiciate it,you should be proud,thanks. and yes no problem we'll keep in touch.
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since the lump first appeared should it have grew atleast a little bit,but shouldnt get much bigger than about the size of a pea?
since the lump first appeared should it have grew atleast a little bit,but shouldnt get much bigger than about the size of a pea?
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is it mostly likely nothing too serious then?could it be cancerous?