Gynaecomastia
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Gynaecomastia
| Name: Gynaecomastia |
| Also known as: Male Breast Enlargement |
| Abnormal presence of breast tissue in a male. |
Causes of Gynaecomastia
The most common reason is the onset of puberty in teenage boys, when there may be a temporary hormone imbalance. Male breasts sometimes enlarge in old age, with an increase in weight, and with oestrogen hormone treatment in men wanting to change sex. May also be a symptom of a significant underlying disease including cirrhosis of the liver, cancer in the adrenal glands, overactivity or cancer of the thyroid gland, an uncommon form of lung cancer, a tumor in the testicles or a genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome in which there is an extra sex chromosome. |
Symptoms of Gynaecomastia
Varying amount of breast tissue, that may be tender, is felt behind the nipple. |
Tests for Gynaecomastia
Blood and X-ray tests may be performed to determine the cause. |
Treatment for Gynaecomastia
Depends on cause. Plastic surgery is sometimes necessary to remove the breast tissue.
|
Complications of Gynaecomastia of its treatment
Breast cancer can occur in the male breast. |
Likely Outcome of Gynaecomastia
Depends on cause. |
|
|
