A doctor has urged people to be aware of a key symptom that could signal a number of serious health issues in men.
A doctor has urged men to look out for a striking symptom that could signal various serious diseases. This sign in the chest could signify testicular cancer, breast cancer, and liver disease.
While this symptom could be caused by something harmless, it is still vital to get it checked as soon as possible. In a video posted to social media platform TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia, highlighted the associated risks of gynecomastia.
This is the medical term for when boys and men have bigger breasts than usual. It can also cause the nipples or breasts to look swollen or feel sore.
The NHS advises that this condition is “common” and may not always need treatment, but can “sometimes” be caused by other conditions. In his video detailing the signs of testicular cancer, Dr Kukadia – who is better known as Dr Sooj, said that gynecomastia is “such an important sign to be aware of”.
He said: “Some men may experience gynecomastia, which is a development of breast tissue. Gynecomastia is such an important sign to be aware of because it can be a sign for so many different things, including things like liver disease, testicular cancer, and even breast cancer.
“And yes, men can get breast cancer.” He explained more about what to look for.
“And it’s so important that you’re aware of that because if you notice any kind of lumps or bumps in your breasts, it’s so important to get checked out. Because when you go and see your clinician, we can take a history, we can examine you, and we can even do some investigations like blood tests and hormone profiles.”
He added: “And then depending on what those investigations show, we can then organise the next steps. But please be aware because it can be a sign of breast cancer, testicular cancer and liver disease.”
The NHS states that causes of gynaecomastia can include:
- Hormone changes in men aged over 50, or during puberty
- Being overweight
- Certain medicines
- Conditions such as an overactive thyroid, kidney disease, or cirrhosis
- drug use, including anabolic steroids
- The effect of pregnancy hormones on some newborn babies
The health body says you should speak to your GP if you:
- Are worried about the size of your breasts, or how they look
- Have pain in your breast or nipple that is not going away
- Have a lump in your breast or nipple
- Have any changes in the skin of your breast or nipple, such as a rash, dimpling (may look like orange peel), or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
- Have discharge or bleeding from one or both of your nipples
It adds: “Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms.”