Gynecomastia is the abnormal growth of the mammary glands in men resulting in visible enlargement of the breasts similar to women. This can occur anytime in men: from neonate, puberty, and old age. If they develop during infancy or puberty, the condition disappears in just a few weeks so no treatment is needed. Physiological gynemoastia appear naturally and will disappear eventually. However, there are pathological cases that need more medical attention. What is pathological gynecomastia?
Pathological gynecomastia causes could be the following:
Lack or Absence of Testosterone
This could be characterized by:
•Congenital (present at birth) absence of the testes
•Resistance to androgen
•Presence of Klinetelter’s Syndrome – a condition where the man has a single Y chromosome and 2 or more X chromosomes. The normal composition is one each of the X and Y chromosomes.
•Viral orchitis – is the inflammation of one or both of the testicles as a result of the virus that causes mumps. Studies show that at least a third of the men who suffered from mumps after puberty contract orchitis.
•Trauma
•Castration
•Renal failure
Increase in the Levels of Estrogen
•Testicular tumors
•Hermaphroditism – the presence of both the male and female genitalia
•Neoplasms that produce hCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin hormones
•Adrenal tumors – this condition increases the production of estrogen
•Malnourishment
•Liver diseases like cirrhosis
•Hyperthyroidism – increased levels of the thyroid hormone
•Obesity
Certain Drugs
Studies show that about 20% of the cases in adult men are drug-related:
•Estrogen supplements – oral contraceptives
•Gonadotophins
•Antipsychotics – this blocks dopamine which leads to an increase in the release of prolactin in the pituitary gland
•Flutamide – this is used to block androgen receptors
•Finasteride and Metronidazole – both inhibit the production of testosterone
•Anabolic steroid abuse
•Certain cosmetics can cause the condition: products that contain tea tree oil and lavender
Other Unclear Causes
•Chronic illness
•Injuries in the spinal cord
•HIV infection
Some Important Points
What is pathological gynemoastia? These are symptoms that may be caused by underlying medical conditions that are deemed to be more serious that the actual condition.
There were researches and studies conducted that show that in cases of congenital anorchia (disorder in the XY chromosomes that affect sex development), patients were found to have very low to zero amounts of testosterone in their bodies. It was also found out that extremely low levels of testosterone in Klinefelter’s syndrome can result to “man boobs”. Patients who have the Klinefelter’s syndrome are most likely to incur breast cancer in men.
Liver disease is associated with developing “man boobs” because of the absence of the androstenedione that eventually increases the conversion of androgens to estrogen. This will cause breast enlargement.
How is this Condition Related to Breast Cancer?
Doctors say that only 1% of men who were diagnosed to have “man boobs” contract breast cancer. Men who are 65 years of age and above are likely to get male breast cancer, but doctors say that it can occur any time in their lifetime.
Knowing what is pathological gynecomastia will greatly help in its early detection and treatment.
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