Gynecomastia

Alternative names:

breast development in a male

Home care:

Apply cold compresses and use analgesics as recommended by the health care provider if swollen breasts are also tender.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider is the breast(s) have developed abnormally or if there is swelling or pain in one or both breasts.

Note: Gynecomastia in children who have not yet reached puberty should always be evaluated by a health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting gynecomastia may include:

• Is one or both breasts involved?
• What is the age and gender of the patient?
• What medications are being taken?
• How long has gynecomastia been present?
• Is the gynecomastia staying the same, getting better, or getting worse?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Testing is not normally necessary, but the following tests may be performed to rule out disease cause:

• blood hormone level tests
• x-ray of the chest
• x-ray of the skull
• liver function studies

Intervention:
Although spontaneous resolution is normal, persistent breast enlargement may be embarrassing for an adolescent boy. On occasion, breast development may be so great that surgery is recommended to prevent emotional damage.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to gynecomastia, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.