What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the overdevelopment of the male breast. A breast has both glandular tissue and fatty tissue. With gynecomastia, the glands in the breast become enlarged. The enlarged glands may feel like a rubbery disk beneath the nipple area. Both breasts are often affected.

In addition to having enlarged breasts, men or boys with gynecomastia may notice their breasts feel rubbery or firm. Often men don't have any symptoms. Boys may notice a lump or mass behind the nipple. Boys (and some men) may have breast tenderness and pain. Some breast enlargement is common in adolescent boys during puberty. But it is usually temporary and goes away without treatment.

Gynecomastia can usually be diagnosed from a physical exam and medical history. Tests that may be done to rule out breast cancer include ultrasound, mammogram, and a breast biopsy. Other lab tests, such as a blood test, may be done to check hormone levels.

Gynecomastia in newborn babies often goes away in a few weeks without treatment. But it can last for up to a year.

If gynecomastia occurs during puberty, it often goes away within a year without treatment. But it may last for up to 2 years. It can be uncomfortable. But if it causes pain or worry, medicine or surgery can help.

When the condition is caused by medicines, treatment involves changing or stopping the medicine. If it's caused by another medical problem, treating the other condition will help balance hormones and may reduce the gynecomastia.

Men who have prostate cancer and get hormone therapy may take medicines or have radiation for gynecomastia.

For teens and men with severe gynecomastia, early treatment with medicines can make a difference. Breast tissue can change in less than a year from glandular tissue to fibrotic tissue. Once that happens, surgery may be the only way to reduce the extra breast tissue.

• If your child's breasts are tender, he can put a cold washcloth or ice pack on them for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and the skin.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines your child takes. Some medicines can cause breast growth in boys.
• Advise your son to wear loose-fitting shirts. This will make the breast growth easier to hide. Also, a loose shirt will not rub the breasts as much as a tight shirt.