Hi,
First off, I ought to stress that this answer is no substitute for
getting yourself checked out at the doctor's. It goes without saying,
I hope, that physical examination can determine the cause of your
itching far more easily than a researcher on another continent.
I'm going to start off with the scarier possibilities, but I post
these, I hope, as reassurance. Please note that although itch in the
nipple area is mentioned as a symptom, it is generally combined with
other symptoms: a change in colour, soreness, change of nipple shape
and so on. Breast cancer and Paget's are relatively rare in men, and
it is unlikely that an itch alone is a strong indication of either.
Having said that, male breast cancer can be highly dangerous, since it
spreads quickly through the breast tissue. If you are at all
concerned, I would suggest you have your doctor take a look.
"When Derek's right nipple became red and itchy, he took no notice at
first. He didn't realise that an itchy, red nipple, a change in shape
of the nipple or a discharge are all symptoms of male breast cancer.
Even when his nipple became sore and uncomfortable he assumed he must
have an infection or a cyst."
Channel 4: Breast Cancer and Men
http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/illness/breast.html
"Paget's disease affects groups ranging from forty to eighty years,
with an average age of sixty years... the affected skin presents as
red and scaly plaques. The underlying nodules may surface, become
crusted, exudative, very hard, itchy, ulcerative, and can bleed."
Longerliving: Paget's Disease
http://www.longerliving.com/paget.htm
Other possibilities:
The change in hormonal balance which occurs in men in their sixties &
seventies may have led to mild gynecomastia. This often begins with
tenderness or itching in the breast. If your breast area has also
grown in size somewhat this is probably the cause. You can find more
information about this very common condition here:
Gynecomastia
http://911papers.virtualave.net/classical_sciences/biology/Gynecomastia.htm
Gynecomastia.org: the World's Best Resource for Gynecomastia Info.
http://www.gynecomastia.org/
Alternatively, you may simply have developed a skin condition like
excema or dermatitis around your nipple. While excema on the nipples
is comparatively rare, it can occur. If the skin around the nipple
feels scaly, or rougher than normal, this may be the cause.
More information here:
Excema Informant
http://www.eczemainformant.com/
Medinfo: Excema
http://www.medinfo.co.uk/conditions/eczema.html
I hope this has given you an idea of the different possible
explanations for your itch. I would, again, urge you to get this
checked out by a professional. The breast is a vulnerable area in men
as well as women, and it is very important if - god forbid - there
*is* any sign of cancerous development, that it is caught early.
Let me know if you have any further questions,
grimace |
