Alarming hypertrophy of the male mammary glands always requires medical advice. Only a doctor, based on a detailed medical history and physical examination, can correctly diagnose gynecomastia. Most importantly, the specialist (thanks to in-depth diagnostics) also determines the cause of the problem. Let's not forget that the oncological aspect is taken into account when diagnosing gynecomastia.
An example is unilateral gynecomastia, in which breast cancer must be excluded (contrary to appearance, this is not only a "female" disease). It is true that it is rare in men, but it usually has a worse prognosis and a more malignant course. Men are most often diagnosed with ductal invasive carcinoma, which (for anatomical reasons) begins to penetrate the skin and tissues of the chest faster.
With bilateral gynecomastia, a diagnostic process is also necessary, on the basis of which it is possible to determine the cause of the problem and its (dangerous or benign) nature.
Additional tests performed in such cases include determining the basal levels of androgens (total testosterone) and estrogens (estradiol). The concentrations of gonadotropin hormones (FSH, LH and prolactin), which regulate the function of the sex glands and the secretion of sex hormones, are checked. Determining prolactin concentration allows you to exclude (or confirm) hyperprolactinemia, considered as a separate disease that also causes breast enlargement.
Diagnostics can be expanded by testing images. Ultrasound examination is sometimes useful (for example, ultrasound of the mammary glands, testicles, and adrenal glands). Sometimes there are indications for a breast biopsy (taking a section of the altered tissue for histological examination).
In justified cases (when hormone-active neoplasms should be excluded), computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the adrenal glands or pituitary gland is performed. Chest X-ray helps to suspect hormone-active tumors of the mediastinum.
Mammography is performed less frequently - it is sensitive and useful in case of suspected breast cancer (justified, for example, in elderly patients). Remember that cancer changes in old age can also be benign (for example, neurofibromas, hemangiomas, lipomas).
Fortunately, gynecomastia most often refers to mild, self-limiting conditions, for example, pubertal gynecomastia disappears within a few or several months. The prognosis for gynecomastia is good. 프로모션코드1xbet
