Approach to the patient with Gynecomastia: Beyond the basics

Abstract

Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of the glandular tissue in the male breast caused by an increase in the ratio of estrogen to androgen activity. It can be classified as pathologic (resulting from medications or conditions such as androgen deficiency, hyperthyroidism, chronic renal disease, and testicular tumors) or physiologic, occurring regularly during infancy, puberty, and older age. Approximately 40% of causes of gynecomastia in adult men seeking consultation for the condition are caused by medications, and 25% are idiopathic. This article provides a review of the epidemiology, etiology, and assessment of gynecomastia in adults, along with an overview of the condition in children and adolescents. It also discusses current concepts and recent advances in the management of gynecomastia.

Keywords

• breast pain; classification; cosmesis; gynecomastia; liposuction; medications; radiological evaluation; superficial mastectomy