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Ask the Experts about AIDS-Related Cancers

 

Sore nipple-- is it breast cancer?
Apr 6, 2003

MY PARTNER HAS A PAIN IN THE RIGHT NIPPLE. HE IS HIV POSITIVE FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS. HIS RIGTH NIPPLE LOOKS BIGGER THAN THE LEFT, AND ALSO ITCHES. HE HAS A LOT PAIN. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT HE IS HAVING BREAST CANCER? I KNOW THERE ARE A FEW CASES OF MASCULINE CANCER.

Response from Dr. Dezube

Breast cancer in men can indeed occur, but it is most uncommon. HIV positive patients get breast enlargement relatively commonly. This can be due to the medications they take or due to other medical conditions they may have. They can get gynecomastia (abnormal growth of breast tissue), liposmastia (abnormal fat deposits), as well as infections in the breast.

It's important that your partner gets this checked out. I would recommend that he sees a breast expert. Most hospitals have such expertise.



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