Bilateral gynecomastia is the enlargement of both breasts in men. According to Mayo Clinic, gynecomastia occurs when an imbalance between the hormones estrogen and testosterone occur. Gynecomastia is not considered a serious problem although some men and boys feel discomfort in the breast tissue along with social embarrassment. This disorder can resolve itself or may require medical intervention such as medication or surgery.
Symptoms
According to Mayo Clinic, the primary symptoms of gynecomastia are swollen breast tissue and breast tenderness. Bilateral gynecomastia suffers experience these symptoms in both breasts although it can occur on just one side. The University of Maryland Medical Center states the enlargement of the breast tissue may occur unevenly between the two breasts.
Causes
Several causes of gynecomastia exist, according to Mayo Clinic. When the estrogen level in the male body is higher than the testosterone level, gynecomastia may result. This hormone imbalance may result from naturally occurring hormonal changes, medications and health disorders. Approximately 25 percent of gynecomastia cases have no known cause. The University of Maryland Medical Center list the following potential causes of gynecomastia: the natural aging process, chemotherapy treatments for cancer, liver disease, anabolic steroid hormone usage, estrogen hormone exposure, dialysis, using marijuana, medical hormone treatments, radiation to the testicles and testosterone deficiency.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnosis gynecomastia, the Mayo Clinic states a health care provider will complete a physical health exam including questions about current medications. Other possible testing includes palpation (feeling) of the breast tissue, abdomen and genitals, blood tests such as hormone levels, mammograms, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and biopsies. The health care provider will also determine if other conditions are present such as excess fatty tissue in the breast, abscesses or breast cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center attests breast cancer in men is uncommon. Signs of breast cancer include breast growth on one side, hard attached lump in the breast, ulcer over breast tissue and bloody nipple discharge.
Treatments
According to Mayo Clinic, treatment choices vary according to the cause and amount of discomfort the patient experiences. Initially, underlying medical conditions causing gynecomastia should be evaluated and treated by a health care provider. If the condition continues to be bothersome, other treatment options include medications and surgery such as liposuction to removed excess fatty tissue and mastectomy to remove the breast gland.
Prevention
To prevent or possibly resolve bilateral gynecomastia, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends stopping all use of recreational drugs such as marijuana and supplements meant to enhance bodybuilding such as anabolic steroids.
