Gynecomastia is enlargement or swelling of breast tissue in males. It is most commonly caused by an imbalance between the hormones, estrogen and testosterone. Estrogen controls female traits, including breast growth. Testosterone controls male traits, such as muscle mass and body hair. Although each of these hormones produces the usual traits seen in males and females but males produce a small amount of estrogen and females produce a small amount of testosterone also. Male estrogen levels that are too high or are out of balance with testosterone levels cause gynecomastia.
The diagnosis is based on physical symptoms, breast examination, medical history and medication review, and other examinations. Breast pain and tenderness are common symptoms. Often a firm rubbery disk of tissue, located directly beneath the nipple- areolar complex, is felt during the examination. The lump is easily moveable within the breast tissue. Your doctor will review all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you take. Your doctor will also review your medical history and order a set of tests to determine if other diseases/conditions are the cause of the gynecomastia. Breast imaging tests such as breast ultrasound may be ordered. These tests are usually ordered to rule out breast cancer. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check your hormone levels.
Treatment of gynecomastia includes medical management and surgery depending upon the cause. Medical managements includes treatment of underlying hormonal imbalance found during evaluation. Surgery includes open surgical procedures and liposuction.