Gynaecomastia

Question 1

What is gynaecomastia?

Answer 1

• An abnormal amount of breast tissue in males
• May occur in normal puberty
• Oestrogen:androgen ratio is normally increased

Question 2

What are the causes of gynaecomastia?

Answer 2

• Hypogonadism
• Liver cirrhosis
  
  • Increase in oestrogens
• Hyperthyroidism
• Oestrogen-producing tumours
  
  • Testicular
  • Adrenal
• HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) producing tumours
  
  • Testicular
  • Bronchial
• Drugs
  
  • Spironolactone
  • Digoxin
  • Testosterone
  • Oestrogens
  • Marijuana

Question 3

How is gynaecomastia treated?

Answer 3

• Treat underlying cause
  
  • So stop drugs that cause it if possible
  • Liver transplant if possible
• Testosterone if hypogonadism
• Anti-oestrogen (TAMOXIFEN)