Gynaecomastia

Male gynaecomastia is an abnormal condition characterised 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 gynaecomastia can affect one or both breasts. Generally gynaecomastia 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 gynaecomastia can also cause psychological damage or loss of self-esteem in adolescents.

Causes of male gynaecomastia

Based on the physiological and pathological factors responsible for gynaecomastia, the common causes of gynaecomastia have been listed below:

Physiological

The physiological changes responsible for gynaecomastia are commonly seen in the following age groups:

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 stabilise
Increased age and weight: Production of testosterone declines with age while fat cells stimulate the secretion of female hormone oestrogen

Pathological

The various pathological causes of gynaecomastia are as follows:

Certain medication such as oral contraceptive pills, antipsychotics and anabolic steroids cause gynaecomastia as a side effect
Increased levels of oestrogen due to various conditions such as obesity, hyperthyroidism, malnourishment, adrenal tumours and testicular tumours
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 gynaecomastia may be induced secondary to spinal cord injury or re-feeding after starvation; however, the underlying cause for this form of gynaecomastia remains unknown.

Diagnosis

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

Treatment

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

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

In patients not responding to non-surgical options, surgery is considered as the last option. The surgical methods for management of gynaecomastia include:

Liposuction
Gland excision
Skin sculpture
Reduction mammoplasty
Combination of the surgical techniques mentioned above

The basic steps involved in surgery are as follows:

The surgery can be performed under general or local anaesthesia.
The patient is anaesthetised.
A small incision is made below the areola region of the breast.
Excessive breast tissue is surgically removed.
Excessive fat is removed by liposuction.
The incision is sutured closed.

Normally the surgery takes about 90 minutes. After surgery patients are often advised to wear an elastic pressure garment or ace bandage that promotes healing. Patients are also advised on rehabilitation exercises for at least 3 weeks and can return to normal activities in 6 weeks.