Gynecomastia: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options

Gynecomastia: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is an abnormal enlargement of the breast tissue in men, which is a benign condition that occurs due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone hormones produced in the body. This growth can be observed in infancy as well as in old age. However, the period when this condition most commonly occurs is adolescence. It is present in approximately one-third of men.

Although gynecomastia is not a serious health problem, it is an important condition that affects men psychologically. In some cases, this enlargement can be painful. This condition, which embarrasses individuals in society, can be treated in two ways. The problem is addressed either through medication or surgical intervention, and results can vary from person to person. In some cases, gynecomastia can resolve spontaneously.

What Are the Causes of Gynecomastia?

The most common cause of gynecomastia is irregular and imbalanced secretion of estrogen and testosterone hormones in the body. In other words, if the level of estrogen hormone secreted in the male body exceeds the level of testosterone hormone, breast enlargement occurs.

However, the cause of large breast discomfort may be other factors as well. These include:

• Natural hormonal changes,
• Medications that trigger gynecomastia,
• Drug and alcohol use,
• Certain health problems,
• Herbal-based products.

Who Is at Risk for Gynecomastia?

Although gynecomastia is a condition caused by hormonal imbalance, many groups are at risk. Those at risk can be listed as:

• Adolescent males,
• Elderly individuals over middle age,
• Those using anabolic and androgenic substances,
• Those with liver disease,
• Those with kidney disease,
• Those with thyroid disease and those with Klinefelter syndrome.

What Are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia?

Observed in the breasts of male individuals:

• Abnormal swelling in the breasts,
• Breast pain,
• Breast tenderness,
• Fluid discharge from one or both nipples can be a sign of gynecomastia.

A consultation with a specialist doctor can be obtained to clarify this condition.

How Is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?

Physical examination by palpation is quite important in gynecomastia. In the male individual, a walnut-sized mass is felt behind the breast tissue with the hand. Confirmation of this physical examination with ultrasound is highly important.

What Are the Treatment Options for Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a type of disease that particularly occurs during adolescence and causes negative psychological effects on male individuals.

After diagnosis of this condition, there are two forms of treatment. These treatments vary from person to person and according to the stage of the disease. Gynecomastia that is expected to resolve on its own following early diagnosis may be treated with medication if it does not resolve.

If gynecomastia is at a more advanced stage and negatively affects the patient's quality of life, surgery performed with small incisions may be considered as a treatment option; your physician can advise on the most suitable approach for your situation.

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

As in every surgical operation, doctor examination is quite important in this surgical operation as well. First, the patient's past medical history is reviewed and necessary tests and examinations are performed to determine whether the patient is suitable for surgery.

Although there are multiple types of gynecomastia, this operation varies according to the type of gynecomastia. To briefly explain these:

• In the glandular type of gynecomastia, there is a significant amount of firm breast tissue in the individual. This firm tissue may be removed through surgical operation.
• In the mixed type of gynecomastia, there is a high proportion of both the firm tissue referred to above as glandular tissue and fatty tissue. The firm tissue is removed through surgical operation and liposuction is applied to the fatty tissue.
• Finally, in fatty type gynecomastia, the excess tissue is fat tissue and only liposuction is performed.

After Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. If there are no complications, the patient may be discharged home the same day. However, for surgeries performed under general anesthesia, overnight hospitalization is often preferred.

After surgery, symptoms such as pain, swelling, and edema may be observed in the operative area. These are normal. Pain is controlled with painkillers with the doctor's approval. The patient should rest as much as possible for 3 days after surgery. After the 3rd day following surgery, bathing can be done for short periods, short walks can be taken, or the patient may return to work, depending on their physician's guidance.

What Is Gynecomastia Compression Garment?

It is a medical compression garment that is started immediately after surgery with the doctor's recommendation and needs to be worn for approximately 6 weeks. Continuous use of this garment is highly important during the post-operative period. This duration is determined by the doctor and communication must be maintained with the patient.

Gynecomastia Surgery Considerations in Turkey

Gynecomastia is a condition that can affect psychological wellbeing. Treatment of this condition is available in Turkey. Turkey's healthcare sector continues to develop in line with technological advancements in the field.

Facilities with experienced and skilled surgeons specialized in their field, healthcare staff, and recovery support are among the factors patients consider when evaluating treatment options in Turkey.

If you would like to obtain more information about gynecomastia, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.