Left breast pain in men: what to know

Tender breast tissue may occur with hormonal changes, certain medicines, weight changes, or a condition called gynaecomastia. A pulled chest muscle, rib irritation, skin inflammation, or pressure from activity can produce pain that is worse with movement or touch. Breast cancer in men is uncommon, but a firm lump, nipple change, or discharge should not be ignored. Left-sided chest pain can also come from the heart or lungs rather than the breast.

Record whether the pain is linked to exercise, movement, breathing, touch, or a new medicine. Avoid strenuous activity that clearly triggers muscle pain and wear clothing that does not press on the area. Arrange a clinical examination if the pain is unexplained, recurring, or accompanied by a lump. The clinician may review medicines, examine the breast and chest, and decide whether imaging or other tests are appropriate.

Call emergency services for pressure or pain with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Seek prompt medical review for a firm or growing lump, nipple inversion, bloody discharge, skin dimpling, redness, warmth, or fever. A painful, red swelling may indicate an infection that sometimes needs drainage.

Does the pain seem to come from breast tissue, muscle, ribs, or another organ? Could a medicine or hormone change be contributing? Do I need imaging? Which symptoms should prompt urgent help?