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by Op. Dr. Evren Tevfik İşçi
Gynecomastia refers to the overdevelopment or expansion of male breast tissue. Gynecomastia commonly develops during an adolescent boy’s puberty hormonal changes. However, it can also be seen in newborn babies and older men.
Gynecomastia is often a non-cancerous (benign) disease. It can be connected to a variety of hormonal changes. In the majority of cases, the reason is unknown. Changes in female hormone (estrogen) and male hormone (testosterone) levels are commonly responsible for gynecomastia. However, it can also happen for a variety of causes.
Certain medicines, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, chemotherapy, prostate cancer therapies, ulcer or cardiovascular drugs, can also cause gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can also be caused by illegal medications such as anabolic steroids, heroin, or marijuana.
Gynecomastia can also be caused by liver or renal illness, testicular cancer, lung cancer, pituitary gland tumors, thyroid issues, obesity, accident, or trauma.
Short-term gynecomastia in newborns is possible. This is mainly due to the fact that the mother’s estrogen remains in the baby’s blood for some time after delivery. Breast cancer is not associated with gynecomastia. Men are extremely unlikely to have breast cancer. Some tests, however, may be necessary in some circumstances to rule out breast cancer.
Symptoms of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is usually not a major issue. Swelling and discomfort in the mammary gland tissue of one or both breasts are symptoms. It may begin as a lump or fatty tissue around the nipples of a person. In most cases, the lumps will develop unevenly. It is important for people to consult a doctor if they have unusual and persistent swelling, pain, nipple discharge, or a combination of these.
In gynecomastia, breast expansion is normally symmetrical with regard to the nipple. It feels rubbery or tight. While gynecomastia usually affects both sides, it can develop on only one side. Although gynecomastia can not cause severe discomfort, soreness in the enlarged region may develop. Swollen breast tissue, breast discomfort, and an enlarged, rubbery, and painful areola are the most prevalent signs of gynecomastia. Symptoms may affect one or both breasts, or both breasts in different ways.
During a gynecomastia diagnosis, the doctor informs the patient and asks for a medical and pharmacological history, as well as a family history. Performs a physical examination of the breast tissue that can extend to the genitals and abdomen. If the reason appears to be a hormonal imbalance, the doctor may advise allowing the issue resolve on its own. If the lump is very big, painful, or unilateral, the doctor may order a biopsy or blood test to rule for breast cancer.
Gynecomastia and Fat Relationship
Gynecomastia is a disorder in which breast tissue grows. It can be caused by hormonal changes that encourage the development of breast tissue. Gynecomastia does not result in fat buildup and has nothing to do with obesity.
Overweight or obese people may have excess fat on their bodies. For men, this can result in breast augmentation. However, unlike gynecomastia, this enlargement is caused by fat gain rather than tissue growth.
Gynecomastia cases usually resolve without the need for therapy. Symptoms in newborns and young males may fade and disappear with time. Treatment may be necessary in some circumstances. Liposuction or surgery can be used to treat the condition.
What is the treatment for gynecomastia?
In general, two types of medications are used to treat gynecomastia. In elderly men with low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy is successful. However, its effectiveness for males with normal amounts of male hormone has not been established.
Although selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) cannot totally eradicate the problem, they can lessen the quantity of breast tissue. These medications are often used in situations of severe or painful gynecomastia.
In circumstances where medication therapy is ineffective, surgical excision of breast tissue may be considered for gynecomastia treatment. Liposuction and direct excision procedures can both be employed in this situation. Gynecomastia surgery is usually considered safe. However, like with any sort of surgery, there are risks and consequences such as infection, hemorrhage, and anesthetic issues with gynecomastia surgery.
The Healing Phase Following Gynecomastia Surgery
When just liposuction is required to address the gynecomastia problem, it typically takes less than a week to return to exercise and work. Patients who require surgical excision of extra breast tissue must wait 2 to 4 weeks for healing before returning to normal activities. The average amount of time it takes for patients to return to work is ten days.
During the first few weeks, a compression vest should be worn to assist retract the skin and avoid fluid accumulation. Swelling and bruising in the application region is considered usual during this time. Medication recommended by a doctor can ease any type of pain.
Patients can resume some typical activities after the first week or two, including as returning to work and modest exercise, but the surgeon will offer patient-specific advice depending on each patient’s particular condition. Bruising and swelling will progressively subside until final results are apparent months following surgery. Six months after surgery, the final effects are seen.
