Other

Question 1

What is gynaecomastia.

Answer 1

Benign breast tissue growth in males.

Question 2

What must be excluded in a male presenting with gynaecomastia.

Answer 2

Carcinoma.

Question 3

Who does gynaecomastia usually occur to. (2)

Answer 3

Elderly men.
Puberty.
But it can occur at any age.

Question 4

What are some causes of gynaecomastia. (8)

Answer 4

Drugs: digoxin, cimetidine, spironolactone, cannabis, oestrogens used to treat prostate cancer.
Decreased androgen production: Klinefelter’s syndrome (primary cause of hypogonadism).
Increased oestrogen levels: chronic liver disease, some adrenal tumours, thyrotoxicosis.

Question 5

What are the clinical signs on examination of a male presenting with gynaecomastia. (4)

Answer 5

soft, diffuse lump.
Unilateral or bilateral.
May be painful.

Question 6

What percentage of breast cancers occur in men.

Answer 6

1%

Question 7

What are the three main causes of gynaecomastia.

Answer 7

Drugs.
Decreased androgen production.
Increased oestrogen levels.

Question 8

Why does chronic liver disease cause gynaecomastia.

Answer 8

It is caused by the high levels of circulating oestrogens which are not metabolised by the liver.