Gynecomastia and hormones

Abstract

Gynecomastia-the enlargement of male breast tissue in men-is a common finding, frequently observed in newborns, adolescents, and old men. Physiological gynecomastia, occurring in almost 25 % of cases, is benign and self-limited; on the other hand, several conditions and drugs may induce proliferation of male breast tissue. True gynecomastia is a common feature often related to estrogen excess and/or androgen deficiency as a consequence of different endocrine disorders. Biochemical evaluation should be performed once physiological or iatrogenic gynecomastia has been ruled out. Non-endocrine illnesses, including liver failure and chronic kidney disease, are another cause of gynecomastia which should be considered. Treating the underlying disease or discontinuing medications might resolve gynecomastia, although the psychosocial burden of this condition might require different and careful consideration.

Diagnostic Value of Fine-Needle Aspiration in Male Breast Lesions

“…Gynecomastia is the most common clinical and pathologic abnormality of the male breast. The prevalence of gynecomastia is reportedly as high as 60% in adolescents and 70% in patients in their fifth and sixth decades of life [1]. In contrast, male breast carcinoma is a rare disease, accounting for less than 1% of all male tumors and all breast carcinomas in the USA and worldwide [2].…”

Childhood Gynecomastia: A Mini Review

“…Breast ultrasonography (USG), scrotal USG and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen can also be used as well as magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary. A percutaneous biopsy should be taken, at times, when it is difficult to differentiate gynecomastia and breast cancer [5,6,[32][33][34][35][36].…”

Bilateral Mastectomy as Radical Treatment of Gynecomastia Secondary to Antiretroviral Therapy in a Low-Income Setting: A Case Report

“…Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue in men and is frequently observed in newborns, adolescents, and older men [1]. …”

“…Moreover, true gynecomastia is a common feature often related to estrogen excess, androgen deficiency, and a high elevation of sex hormone-binding globuline (SHBG) as a consequence of different endocrine disorders [3]. Non-endocrine illnesses, including liver failure, chronic kidney disease, and drug side effects [1], may also cause gynecomastia.…”