Gynecomastia

GYNECOMASTIA

All males have breast tissue, but when there is excessive tissue, it can be concerning to the patient and his provider. Gynecomastia is overgrowth of male breast tissue. It may occur in both breasts simultaneously or be asymmetric (just one breast).

Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance in hormone levels. It is most commonly seen in childhood and in the senior years, as these phases of life are associated with altered testosterone and estrogen levels.

 Gynecomastia is not cancer, but it is very important for a man with sudden overgrowth of breast tissue to be evaluated by a breast care team. One cannot assume that the cause of breast growth is gynecomastia. A full workup with imaging and examination is necessary to rule out cancer.

Once a cancer diagnosis has been eliminated, the reason for gynecomastia must be investigated. Gynecomastia may be caused by lifestyle habits, diet, hormonal imbalances or underlying diseases. A thorough interview with your breast surgeon, as well as a panel of blood tests, can lead to understanding how gynecomastia developed and what can be done about it.

At Delaware Breast Care, Dr. Quarterman will perform a full evaluation of a patient’s gynecomastia. She will explain all test results and make recommendations for follow up or further treatment, if needed.