title: Gynecomastia.
abstract: Gynecomastia is defined as benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue in men. Physiologic gynecomastia is common in newborns, adolescents, and older men. It is self-limited, but can be treated to minimize emotional distress and physical discomfort. Nonphysiologic gynecomastia may be caused by chronic conditions (e.g., cirrhosis, hypogonadism, renal insufficiency); use of medications, supplements, or illicit drugs; and, rarely, tumors. Discontinuing use of contributing medications and treating underlying disease are the mainstay of treatment. Medications, such as estrogen receptor modulators, and surgery have a role in treating gynecomastia in select patients. Treatment should be pursued early and should be directed by the patient.
authors.affiliation: University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, KS 67214, USA. gdickson@kumc.edu
authors.forename: Gretchen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dickson
mesh_terms: D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000150:complications; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000150:complications