The male breast, unlike the female breast, is not meant to grow in size and feed a nursing baby. However, in some cases, cells in the male breast overgrow and form various tumors. Also, men do develop enlarged breasts. It can be quite embarrassing, especially for a pubescent male. Treatments are available for male breast diseases.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia refers to a condition in which the male breast tissue swells and increases in size. Symptoms of this condition also include breast tenderness. Gynecomastia typically affects infants, boys undergoing puberty and men who experience normal hormonal changes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, medications such as anti-androgens and some medical problems such as cirrhosis (liver damage) can lead to gynecomastia. Gynecomastia occurs when there is a reduction in the male hormone testosterone. The Mayo Clinic says that in 25 percent of men, the exact cause for gynecomastia is still unknown. Usually, gynecomastia resolves on its own and requires no treatment. However, treatment may become necessary when gynecomastia doesn't resolve within six months to three years. Medications such as tamoxifen can help decrease the growth of male breasts. In some cases, men may elect to have liposuction (fat removal) of the breast region and in extreme cases, may decide to undergo a mastectomy, a surgical procedure in which the breast tissue is completely removed.
Male Breast Cancer
Breast cancer typically affects women. However, this disease can also strike men. According to the Mayo Clinic, male breast cancer typically occurs in men between the ages of 60 and 70. Symptoms of breast cancer include redness of the nipple or breast tissue, nipple discharge of blood or fluid, or indentation of your breast skin.
The Mayo Clinic says that it is unknown what causes breast cancer in men. However, it states that one in six male breast cancers are inherited. Sometimes, your cells may alter on its own as a result of radiation exposure. Like female breast cancer, male breast is also treated with radiation, chemotherapy, medications and surgery. Radiation (high-energy X-ray beams) and chemotherapy (toxic medications) all work to destroy the growing cancer cells. Medications such as tamoxifen also work to destroy growing cancer cells.
Other Male Breast Diseases
Men can also develop epidermal inclusion cysts, subcutaneous leiomyomas, and subareolar abscesses. An epidermal inclusion cyst refers to a dense, round and typically palpable mass that ranges in size from 1/2 inch to 2 1/2 inches (1 to 5 cm) in width. These cysts are composed of skin cells and keratin, a type of protein.
Subcutaneous leiomyomas, unlike epidermal inclusion cysts, have spiculated (spike-like) margins. They too, may be palpable, but male breast skin tissue may retract or dimple. A subareolar abscess is also a mass that does not contain distinct borders, and it may be riddled with tiny calcium deposits that are apparent on X-ray. Typically, your doctor will monitor theses masses for growth. If they increase in size, men have the option to have them removed through surgery.
