DEAR DR. GOTT:
I would like for you to tell me what to do for this annoying problem I have with my right nipple.
I am a 75-year-old male in fairly good health. For the last three months, my right nipple has been very sore. Some days are worse than others. When I told my doctor about it, he said it is from the beer I drink. When I asked about the possibility of cancer, he said I didn’t have cancer because I didn’t have a lump.
Dr. Gott, I don’t think this is caused by beer. I drink about three days a week when I go to the local VFW and I only consume light beer. I don’t drink alcohol at home. My doctor claims it’s only caused by the beer and hasn’t given me any other possible cause.
I’m worried about this since it is only on one side and (to me) doesn’t appear to be related to alcohol.
DEAR READER:
As I have written before, men can develop breast cancer, especially if there is a strong family history of breast cancer, such as in your mother, sister, grandmother or aunt. It is especially worrisome if you have another male relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because you do not give a family history, I do not know if there may be a genetic relation. Symptoms can include nipple discharge, a lump, swelling, tenderness and pain. Just because you do not have a palpable lump does not rule out cancer. I urge you to make an appointment with an internist (a diagnostic specialist) who can perform a breast exam and order appropriate testing such as a chest X-ray, mammogram or breast ultrasound. He or she may choose to order a CT scan or MRI which can provide more detailed images.
If your doctor is dismissing your fears without proper testing and examination, you should find another physician. I hope, for both your and your doctor’s sakes, that the cause of your breast pain is benign. The time wasted by your current physician in getting you proper testing could make the difference in detecting disease in its early stages and necessitating minor treatment and finding advanced disease that needs extensive and powerful medications and possibly surgery.
It is ALWAYS important to follow-up on a patient’s health concerns, even if they are something the doctor feels are minor. It is the doctor’s job to make the patient feel comfortable and that includes answering any questions. Your doctor has completely failed you in this respect. You need to find a physician who is kind, respectful and willing to sit down to discuss health concerns with you. Good luck. Don’t delay any longer in getting the testing you need.
To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Breast Cancer and Disorders” and “Choosing a Physician”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).
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