Gynecomastia is the swelling of breast tissue in males caused by an imbalance of hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It can affect one or both breasts and causes symptoms like swollen or tender breasts. While usually not a health risk, it can cause psychological problems due to appearance. Risk factors include certain drugs and medications, and treatment options range from medication to surgical procedures like liposuction or mastectomy.

1. • Gynecomastia is swelling of the breast tissue
in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of
the hormones estrogen and testosterone.
Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts,
sometimes unevenly.

2. • Natural hormone changes
• Ulcer medications, such as cimetidine
• Cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
• Heart medications, such as digoxin (Lanoxin)
Gastric motility medications, such as
metoclopramide (Reglan)
• Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam
(Valium).
• AIDS medications.
• Street drugs and alcohol such as amphetamine,
heroine

3. • Swollen breast gland tissue
• Breast tenderness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Nipple discharge in one or both breasts

4. • Gynecomastia has few physical
complications, but it can cause
psychological or emotional problems
caused by appearance.

5. There are a few factors you can control that may
reduce the risk of gynecomastia:
• Don't use illegal drugs. Examples include
steroids and androgens, amphetamines, heroin,
and marijuana.
• Avoid alcohol: Don't drink alcohol, or drink in
moderation.
• Review your medications: If you're taking
medication known to cause gynecomastia, ask
your doctor if there are other choices.

6. • Blood tests
• Mammograms
• Computerized tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Testicular ultrasounds
• Tissue biopsies

7. • Medications used to treat breast cancer and other
conditions, such as tamoxifen (Soltamox), raloxifene
(Evista) and aromatase inhibitors (Arimidex), may be
helpful for some men with gynecomastia.

8. • Liposuction: This surgery removes breast fat, but not
the breast gland tissue itself.
• Mastectomy: This type of surgery removes the breast
gland tissue. The surgery is often done endoscopically,
meaning only small incisions are used. This less invasive
type of surgery involves less recovery time.