BMJ  2008;336:709-713 (29 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39511.493391.BE

Clinical Review

Gynaecomastia and breast cancer in men

Catherine B Niewoehner, professor of medicine1, Anna E Schorer, associate professor of medicine2

1 Metabolism Section, VA Medical Center 111G, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA, 2 Hematology/Oncology Section, VA Medical Center 111E, Minneapolis, USA

Correspondence to: C B Niewoehner niewo002@umn.edu

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.


Most breast enlargement in males is due to the benign enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia)
Physiological gynaecomastia occurs in neonates, at puberty, and with obesity and ageing
Gynaecomastia is due to an increased oestrogen to testosterone ratio; possible causes are many
Treatments for painful or embarrassing gynaecomastia include an anti-oestrogen, such as tamoxifen, or surgery (liposuction or mammoplasty)
One per cent of breast cancers occur in men, with higher rates in men with a family history of breast cancer or previous chest radiation
Irregular, eccentric, hard or fixed breast tissue, ulceration, nipple abnormalities, or associated adenopathy suggest breast cancer
Men typically have more advanced breast cancer at diagnosis than women; management is similar


Breast disorders in males can be distressing for both patients and examining doctors. Patients often feel embarrassed and anxious. Although cancers are diagnosed in only about 1% of cases of male breast enlargement, practitioners may feel uncertain . . . [Full text of this article]


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