Gynecomastia, a condition marked by the enlargement of breast tissue in men, is typically associated with an imbalance in sex hormones. This can result from various factors, including certain diseases, medications, or the use of testosterone. It is often mistaken for adipomastia, which refers to an excess of fat in the chest area rather than the growth of glandular tissue. Sofiane, a 26-year-old nursing student, shared his experience with gynecomastia. He noticed significant chest development starting at age 21, which led him to stop wearing tight t-shirts, avoid going to the pool, and skip beach photos with friends. He described the difficulty of taking off his shirt and, two years ago, discovered a painful lump in his chest. Concerned about breast cancer, he visited his general practitioner. After a mammogram, testicular ultrasound, and hormonal tests, the diagnosis was gynecomastia, not cancer.
Gynecomastia is primarily linked to an imbalance between male and female sex hormones. It can be caused by an overproduction of estradiol, a female hormone, or a decrease in testosterone. A reduced level of testosterone, known as hypogonadism, can be associated with testicular abnormalities. Palpation and ultrasound are used to check for possible tumors, some of which are benign and secrete estradiol, while others, which are cancerous, produce HCG, a hormone related to pregnancy. Genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, which involves reduced testicle size and male infertility, can also contribute. Certain medications, particularly those used for prostate cancer or hypertension, can cause gynecomastia. Additionally, some men who use testosterone for bodybuilding may develop this condition.
Many of Sofiane's friends initially believed his condition was due to being overweight and suggested exercise as a solution. However, he noticed that his chest was growing even without weight gain. Among the patients of surgeon Frédéric Picard, several have tried doing push-ups to reduce their chest size. A common sentiment is, "Even when I'm thin, I always have chest." While a large breast volume can be due to overweight or obesity, this is classified as adipomastia. Gynecomastia involves the enlargement of the mammary gland, whereas adipomastia is an excess of fat in the chest area. A mammogram can differentiate between the two. This distinction is important because adipomastia is not covered by health insurance, and surgery to remove fat is only temporarily effective. However, individuals who are overweight may experience both conditions.
Once the cause of gynecomastia is identified, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying issue. If hypogonadism is the cause, testosterone supplementation may be prescribed. When the cause is unknown, a testosterone derivative in gel form, such as dihydrotestosterone, may be used, although its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. Surgery is sometimes considered, especially for severe cases. The procedure, performed under general anesthesia, involves removing excess mammary tissue through an incision at the lower edge of the areola. Concerns about scarring vary depending on the severity of the condition. In more pronounced cases, the skin may have loosened, and the areolas may have enlarged, requiring the removal of gland tissue, fat, some skin, and the reduction of the areolas. In such cases, the scar can be up to 12 centimeters long, but surgeons aim to minimize it as much as possible. Sofiane recently underwent surgery and is currently wearing a compression garment to support the healing process. Despite this, he already feels like he has regained his previous chest appearance.
Gynecomastia in Men: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
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