Health Encyclopedia

Gynecomastia

Definition

Gynecomastia is the development of abnormally large breasts in males.

Alternative Names

Breast development in a male

Considerations

The condition may occur in one or both breasts and begins as a small lump beneath the nipple, which may be tender. The breasts often enlarge unevenly. Gynecomastia during puberty is not uncommon, and usually goes away over a period of months.

In newborns, breast development may be associated with milk flow (galactorrhea). This condition usually lasts for a couple of weeks, but in rare cases may last until the child is 2 years old.

Common Causes

The most common cause of gynecomastia is puberty.

Other causes include:

Chronic liver disease
Exposure to anabolic steroid hormones
Exposure to estrogen hormone
Genetic disorders
Kidney failure
Marijuana use
Side effects of some medications
Testosterone (male hormone) deficiency

Rare causes include:

Genetic defects
Overactive thyroid
Tumors

Home Care

Apply cold compresses and use analgesics as your health care provider recommends if swollen breasts are also tender.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if the breasts have developed abnormally or if there is swelling or pain in one or both breasts.

Note: Gynecomastia in children who have not yet reached puberty should always be checked by a health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include:

Is one or both breasts involved?
What is the age and gender of the patient?
What medications is the person taking?
How long has gynecomastia been present?
Is the gynecomastia staying the same, getting better, or getting worse?
What other symptoms are present?

Testing may not be necessary, but the following tests may be done to rule out certain diseases:

Blood hormone level tests
Breast ultrasound
Liver and kidney function studies
Mammogram

Intervention:

If an underlying condition is found, it is treated. Gynecomastia during puberty usually goes away on its own; however, persistent, extreme, or uneven breast enlargement may be embarrassing for an adolescent boy. Breast reduction surgery may be recommended.

After seeing your health care provider:

If your health care provider made a diagnosis related to gynecomastia, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

Review Date:12/6/2007
Reviewed By:Nancy J. Rennert, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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