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Schedule A ConsultationIf you’ve discovered a lump under your right nipple, you’re not alone—and you’re right to take it seriously. While this type of lump is often benign and caused by gynecomastia, it’s important to rule out other conditions, including cysts, infections, or—rarely—male breast cancer.
In this article, we explain the most common causes of a lump under the right nipple in men, how to tell if it’s gynecomastia, and when to seek medical evaluation or treatment.
Men sometimes develop asymmetrical chest conditions. A single-sided lump, especially under the right or left nipple, can appear during puberty, adulthood, or even later in life. Although gynecomastia often affects both sides, unilateral gynecomastia is very common and typically harmless—but still worth investigating.
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of glandular breast tissue in males, caused by a hormonal imbalance—usually a drop in testosterone relative to estrogen.
Lump Under The Right Nipple. Signs it may be gynecomastia:
Gynecomastia often affects one side more than the other, so a lump under only the right nipple can still fall under this diagnosis.
Pseudogynecomastia results from fat accumulation in the chest, often due to weight gain. Unlike gynecomastia, chest fat feels soft, not firm, and doesn’t usually form a distinct lump under the nipple.
A sebaceous cyst or lipoma can form under the nipple or areola. These benign growths are soft or rubbery, move under the skin, and usually grow slowly.
Although rare, male breast cancer can present as a hard, immovable lump under the nipple. Red flags include:
If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Infections in the breast tissue or skin can cause swelling, redness, and pain. These lumps often appear suddenly and may feel warm or firm to the touch.
Here’s what usually points to gynecomastia:
To be sure, schedule a physical exam with a provider experienced in diagnosing male breast conditions.
A proper evaluation may include:
At our Newport Beach clinic, we specialize in identifying the exact cause and tailoring treatment based on severity and goals.
If the lump is caused by gynecomastia and persists longer than a year, it’s likely permanent glandular tissue. In these cases, surgery is the only reliable treatment.
Our male breast reduction procedure includes:
If you’re dealing with a lump under your right nipple and want answers, we’re here to help. Whether it’s gynecomastia, fat, or another condition, Dr. Joseph Cruise provides clear, expert guidance and world-class care.
Schedule a gynecomastia consultation today—in person or virtually—to take the first step toward peace of mind and a more confident chest.
Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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