title: Gynaecomastia: a decade of experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gynaecomastia is the most common benign condition of the male breast and accounts for up to 80% of male breast referrals. We sought to identify any changes in the number of patients referred with the condition and assess its impact on clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were identified from two prospectively maintained databases. Diagnosis of gynaecomastia was based on clinical findings, ultrasound scan (USS) assessment and/or histology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant increase in the number of men referred to a specialist unit and diagnosed with gynaecomastia. Gynaecomastia was more prevalent in the under twenties age group. Core biopsy (CB) became the histological investigation of choice for men with unilateral disease and there was no change in the percentage of men undergoing surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most men are looking for reassurance that their condition is benign and that no intervention is required. Thus it is important to offer these men psychological support as part of their treatment.
authors.affiliation: Breast Care Centre, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol BS16 1LE, United Kingdom. asmaa@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al-Allak
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Govindarajulu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shere
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sahu
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cawthorn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D055815:Young Adult