Gynecomastia
(800) 889-9248
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breasts, specifically the glandular tissue of the breasts. While not often discussed, gynecomastia is a common condition in adolescent males and those over the age of 50, though it can affect men of any age. Some statistics indicate that as many as 60 percent of males will develop gynecomastia to some degree in their lifetimes. The enlargement of the breasts is often normal and short-lived, particularly during puberty. In pubertal boys, gynecomastia typically disappears spontaneously after a few months or years.
In addition to the normal hormonal changes of puberty, gynecomastia has a number of other causes. Gynecomastia can be the result of a medical condition such as liver disease, lung cancer, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, cancer, renal failure, and more. Use of certain non-medical drugs- like cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol- has also been associated with the development of gynecomastia. Aging and hormonal changes play a major role in many cases of gynecomastia. Some males develop excess breast tissue as a result of obesity. This is not true with gynecomastia because it is the growth of excess glandular tissue. Obesity can cause pseudo-gynecomastia, an increase in fatty breast tissue, which is often improved with proper diet and exercise.
There are also a number of drugs that can cause gynecomastia. Anabolic steroid use is a major cause of drug-induced gynecomastia. Prescription medications that can cause gynecomastia include amphetamines, Cimetidine (Tagamet), Diazepam, Corticosteroids, digitalis, insulin, reserpine, tuberculosis drugs, methadone, tri-cyclic anti-depressants, and more.
The diagnosing of gynecomastia entails a complete physical examination and a complete evaluation of the person's medical history, use of drugs and alcohol, and other pertinent patient information. An ultrasound can help determine the exact cause of male breast enlargement. While 99 percent of all cases of breast cancer occur in females, males may develop breast growth as a result of mammary cancer. Medical diagnostic tests can determine the cause of breast enlargement.
Treatment of gynecomastia largely depends on the cause of a patient's condition. If pubertal hormone fluxuations are the cause of gynecomastia, a doctor may wait to see if the condition resolves on its own. If obesity is the cause of male breast enlargement, a doctor may recommend a diet and exercise program before other treatments.
If the cause of gynecomastia is a medication, drug, or alcohol, the physician may advise the patient to discontinue use of the culprit, as this will often resolve the gynecomastia. Gynecomastia surgery is a relatively safe and effective cosmetic technique that can reduce male breast size. This procedure is done by a qualified cosmetic surgeon.
