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Warning-sign checks

Gynecomastia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency care is appropriate for severe chest pressure, difficulty breathing, fainting, major bleeding, or rapidly increasing swelling after a significant injury.

    These symptoms may have another cause and should not be assumed to come from breast tissue.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical assessment for:

    • A hard, fixed, or irregular breast lump
    • A lump located away from the nipple
    • Bloody or clear nipple discharge
    • Nipple pulling, skin dimpling, ulceration, or persistent scaling
    • A new lump in the armpit
    • A testicular lump or swelling
    • A red, hot, rapidly worsening breast, especially with fever
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may involve watching for changes in breast size, tenderness, or firmness.

    A clinician may repeat the breast examination or review whether an underlying condition or medicine has been addressed.

    If observation is chosen during puberty, follow-up can confirm that the tissue is stable or improving.

    Arrange a medical appointment if breast enlargement is new, continues to grow, causes ongoing pain, appears after starting a medicine or supplement, or is accompanied by symptoms of low testosterone, thyroid disease, liver disease, or a testicular problem.

The article also says

A breast change by itself is rarely an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gynecomastia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.