My Breakthrough
Gynaecomastia
Most breast lumps in men are actually a condition called gynaecomastia, which literally means 'female breast'.
Usually, a man has very little breast tissue. With gynaecomastia, a button-like growth under the nipple and areola area can be felt and is sometimes visible to the naked eye. Occasionally it can be quite tender.
This increase in the amount of breast tissue is not a tumour and occurs due to changes in hormone balances at times like adolescence and in old age, when the overall level of androgens, male hormones, gradually decreases. It is extremely rare for this condition to progress into a cancer.
Gynaecomastia can also occur in situations where the male body produces more oestrogen, such as diseases of certain hormonal glands.
Diseases of the liver (important for hormone metabolism) can also alter a man's hormone balance and lead to gynaecomastia.
In some cases, commonly prescribed medications can cause the condition - such as certain drugs prescribed to treat ulcers, heartburn, high blood pressure and heart failure.
Occasionally it may be difficult to accurately distinguish this condition from male breast cancer. Both cause enlargement of the breast in the nipple region and both may be associated with pain and tenderness (although this is more common with gynaecomastia).
This increase in the amount of breast tissue is not a tumour and occurs due to changes in hormone balances at times like adolescence and in old age, when the overall level of androgens, male hormones, gradually decreases. It is extremely rare for this condition to progress into a cancer.
Gynaecomastia can also occur in situations where the male body produces more oestrogen, such as diseases of certain hormonal glands.
Diseases of the liver (important for hormone metabolism) can also alter a man's hormone balance and lead to gynaecomastia.
In some cases, commonly prescribed medications can cause the condition - such as certain drugs prescribed to treat ulcers, heartburn, high blood pressure and heart failure.
Occasionally it may be difficult to accurately distinguish this condition from male breast cancer. Both cause enlargement of the breast in the nipple region and both may be associated with pain and tenderness (although this is more common with gynaecomastia).
Also within "Male breast cancer"
