Gynecomastia is the medical term for the development of abnormal breast tissue in men. Numerous factors can be the cause of gynecomastia. In some cases it may be decided to proceed with surgery.
Breast development in men
About half of men suffer from breast formation, which can actually be called normal. Some people don’t feel comfortable with this because they think it’s not masculine. Most people do not even dare to look at each other openly within a relationship. They always keep their clothes on, even when it is very hot. Some have a hard time accepting their own bodies.
Causes
- The presence of female hormone during puberty
- A change in the production of hormones
- Taking hormones
- Hormone-producing growths on the testicles or airways
- Side effect when using medications
- Reaction in liver or kidney disease
- Diseases such as over-functioning of the thyroid gland
- Fat accumulation in the breasts due to excess weight
- Breast cancer
Research
The doctor will feel whether it is fatty tissue or whether glandular tissue is also present. People are often referred by their GP to an endocrinologist. An endocrinologist examines patients with complex hormonal disorders or metabolic diseases. First, we investigate what the underlying cause of gynecomastia could be.
Nipple examination
The nipple is examined first. If this is normal, it may indicate benign mammary tissue. Broken skin or excessive asymmetry can indicate malignant mammary tissue.
Testicular examination
After the nipple examination, the testicles are examined. Certain testicular cancers can cause mammary gland tissue to form. The testicular examination consists of two parts: examination of the volume of the testicles and an ultrasound. Images of the testicles are made using ultrasound waves. The examination is painless and not harmful.
Mammography
After the testicle examination comes the final examination: a mammography of the breasts. A photo is taken of each breast. It is examined whether the breast tissue consists of glands or fat or possibly both. The breasts are alternately pressed as flat as possible between two plates. This investigation is far from pleasant, but it takes a very short time.
Therapy
Gynecomastia can be treated in different ways:
Hormonal treatment
The presence of glandular tissue in a male breast indicates an overproduction of the female hormone. In this case, treatment with hormones is most recommended.
Operative treatment
Hormone treatment is not indicated if only fatty tissue is present. Breast surgery is the most successful here. Usually, people are referred to a plastic surgeon for this. Three things need to be corrected: too much fat, too much skin and the nipples that are not in the right position. First, a number of things are measured and the nipple height is determined. The excess fat is then cut away, leaving even more skin excess. After cutting away the excess fat, the excess skin is cut away. A notch is made around the areola, a kind of stem, whereby the entire stem can be moved upwards until the nipple is at the correct height. This is done by means of electric current, which can simultaneously cauterize the blood vessels. The operation takes one and a half to three hours and is done under general anesthesia. Bleeding, a wound infection, a nipple that will be less sensitive and the possible death of a nipple that needs to be moved are the main risks of this operation.
Aftercare
- During treatment, tubes are sometimes inserted to drain the wound fluid. These are usually removed within 2 days.
- Bandages are applied to the wounds. This reduces swelling and should be worn at all times. The bandage may be removed after the stitches have been removed. This usually happens within two weeks. The remaining scars can be gently massaged with a moisturizing cream.