Gynecomastia

Male gynecomastia is an abnormal condition characterized by breast enlargement in males. Occasionally they may also secrete milk. This condition may also be seen in neonates, adolescents and elderly individuals, as a part of physiological changes.

Male gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts. Generally gynecomastia does not produce any harmful effect on the body but it may induce undue stress and embarrassment that can impact the active sex life of the affected individual. Male gynecomastia can also cause psychological damage or loss of self-esteem in adolescents.

Based on the physiological and pathological factors responsible for gynecomastia, the common causes of gynecomastia include:

• Newborn: Due to the presence of maternal hormones circulating in blood
• Adolescence: Due to hormonal changes which are temporary and may disappear as the hormonal levels stabilize
• Increased age and weight: Production of testosterone declines with age while fat cells stimulate the secretion of female hormone estrogen
• Certain medication such as oral contraceptive pills, antipsychotics and anabolic steroids cause gynecomastia as a side effect
• Increased levels of estrogen due to various conditions such as obesity, hyperthyroidism, malnourishment, adrenal tumors and testicular tumors
• Decreased or lack of testosterone production due to conditions such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, viral orchitis and renal failure
• Chronic kidney or liver disease
• HIV infection
• Chronic illness

In some cases gynecomastia may be induced secondary to spinal cord injury or re-feeding after starvation; however, the underlying cause for this form of gynecomastia remains unknown.

The diagnosis of gynecomastia includes a physical examination of the patient, by the physician. Occasionally a mammogram may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of gynecomastia. Certain blood tests may also be conducted to evaluate the underlying cause of gynecomastia.

The non-surgical methods employed for management of gynecomastia include:

• In case of drug induced gynecomastia, replacement of the offending drug with an alternative and safer medication
• Medical treatment of the underlying disease conditions causing gynecomastia

In patients not responding to non-surgical options, surgery is considered as the last option. The surgical methods for management of gynecomastia include liposuction, gland excision, skin sculpture, reduction mammoplasty or combination of the surgical techniques.