question-icon

Took Avodart For Hair Loss, Noticed Multiple Lumps In Breast. Can These Be Lymph Nodes Swollen ?

default
Posted on Thu, 14 Jun 2012
Question: Hi I am a 25 year old male
I took a prescription medication- avodart for hair loss. I had severe symptoms. About 3 weeks ago I noticed a lump in my breast. I went to a doctor which barely felt my chest and said I'm fine. But today I went to an endocrinologist to discuss the symptoms of the drug avodart- I have been off the drug for 6 months. I did have some gyno. The endocrinologist examined my chest and said that that he 3? multiple lumps. The only one I felt was slightly above and to the left of my nipple almost in my armpit. It is not hard and moves around. I am freaking out. He ordered an ultrasound. I am in Canada and the ultrasound is not for 5 weeks. I am going to the US to get it done within 72 hours because I am freaking out. Can these be lymph nodes that are swollen? What tests do you recommend I ask for. I have a prescription for a mammogram or a ultrasound. Should I be very worried?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

AVODART is a drug which prevents the conversion of the male hormone, testosterone into its final active form. The most common side effects of AVODART include trouble getting or keeping an erection (impotence), a decrease in sex drive (libido), ejaculation problems and breast problems (includes breast enlargement, gynecomastia, breast swelling, breast pain, breast tenderness, nipple pain, and nipple swelling).

These breast problems are benign and breast cancer related to AVODART is unusual. The large trials of AVODART have not shown any increased incidence of breast cancers among the trial population.

The lump you can feel is mobile and not hard. Hence, it is benign in all probability. An Ultrasound can confirm this and if the ultrasound findings are also benign then you do not need any further tests. A small part of the breast actually reaches the armpit and it is not possible always to distinguish between a breast swelling in the armpit part or a lymph gland in the armpit. However, normally lymph glands are there in the axillary region and not necessarily of any concern.

I think you should have the ultrasound first. Mammogram in males are not very informative.

You can be rest assured that these are not anything serious and will subside in due course of time.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries, if any.

Regards,
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1709 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Took Avodart For Hair Loss, Noticed Multiple Lumps In Breast. Can These Be Lymph Nodes Swollen ?

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

AVODART is a drug which prevents the conversion of the male hormone, testosterone into its final active form. The most common side effects of AVODART include trouble getting or keeping an erection (impotence), a decrease in sex drive (libido), ejaculation problems and breast problems (includes breast enlargement, gynecomastia, breast swelling, breast pain, breast tenderness, nipple pain, and nipple swelling).

These breast problems are benign and breast cancer related to AVODART is unusual. The large trials of AVODART have not shown any increased incidence of breast cancers among the trial population.

The lump you can feel is mobile and not hard. Hence, it is benign in all probability. An Ultrasound can confirm this and if the ultrasound findings are also benign then you do not need any further tests. A small part of the breast actually reaches the armpit and it is not possible always to distinguish between a breast swelling in the armpit part or a lymph gland in the armpit. However, normally lymph glands are there in the axillary region and not necessarily of any concern.

I think you should have the ultrasound first. Mammogram in males are not very informative.

You can be rest assured that these are not anything serious and will subside in due course of time.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries, if any.

Regards,