An Overview Of Gynecomastia

An Overview of Gynecomastia

According To Dr Vinod Raina About Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by the overdevelopment of the breasts in males. This medical anomaly is due to either too much estrogen, which is a female hormone, or too little amount of testosterone, a male hormone. Either of the two scenarios above can stimulate the breasts' glandular tissues to develop a swelling which manifest as a breast bud or enlarged breast. Babies, teenagers, and older men can all have gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia in Newborns

Baby boys can develop gynecomastia because of estrogen from the mother. In fact, breast buds is a common phenomenon among infant males, although it should gradually and by the time a baby is 6 months old, it should also disappear altogether. In some cases, however, it could stay for a much longer period of time.

Gynecomastia in Pre-Teens and Teenagers

Pre-teen boys may suffer from gynecomastia because of estrogen-producing tumors. In addition, breast buds are normally common by the time a boy reaches the age of puberty. The longest time such breast buds can last is up to two years, but in some instances, it may disappear within the first year.

On the other hand, hormonal changes during puberty may cause gynecomastia in teenage boys. Early puberty to middle puberty is usually the period when gynecomastia occurs in teenage boys. However, it can disappear within 6 months to 2 years.

Gynecomastia in Adult Males

According To Dr Vinod Raina About Gynecomastia in adult males is usually the result of other existing conditions or diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, lung cancer, and overactive thyroid. Hormonal problems such as cancer of the adrenal glands, pituitary glands, or testicles can also be a determining factor. Use of certain substances such as alcohol, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine can also catalyze the development of gynecomastia.

In general, it is currently accepted among medical professionals that the following drugs can cause gynecomastia;

a. Antiandrogen drugs 
b. Antianxiety and antidepressant drugs 
c. Chemotherapy drugs such as alkylating agents and anticancer drugs 
d. Digitalis and heart medicines 
e. Medicines for epilepsy 
f. Medicines for ulcers 
g. Steroids

Symptoms of Gynecomastia

Apart from enlarged breasts, males with gynecomastia have firm and rubbery breasts. A breast bud may appear on both sides, with size like a nickel or quarter. In teenage boys, breast buds are actually common and can last up to two years, after which it gradually disappears.

Diagnosis

The most common methodology for diagnosis of gynecomastia is through careful analysis of medical history as well as physical examination. Although tests may not be required to arrive at a definitive conclusion, it may be done when breast lumps are unusually hard and fixed, large, one-sided, and tender. In this case, a biopsy may be required to determine the root cause of the problem as well as to rule out any other problem.

Treatment

Gynecomastia in babies and teens usually does not require medical treatment. This is because the condition disappears over time. On the other hand, if the condition is caused by a medicine used for treating other conditions, stopping the medicine usually treats the gynecomastia. In case of hormonal imbalance such as the lack of testosterone or increased levels of estrogen, hormonal treatment would be the course of action.