Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a hormonal condition that causes men to develop enlarged breasts. At North Kansas City Hospital & Meritas Health, our team is here to answer your questions and treat your gynecomastia with expert care.
Learn more about our approach to gynecomastia treatments, including surgery.
Gynecomastia Causes
Gynecomastia often begins as a small lump beneath the nipple. The lump may be tender or somewhat painful. Although a change in hormones like testosterone often causes gynecomastia, other risk factors include:
- Aging
- Chemotherapy
- Chronic liver disease
- Exposure to anabolic steroid hormones
- Exposure to estrogen
- Genetic defects (rare)
- Hormone treatment for prostate cancer
- Kidney failure and dialysis
- Marijuana use
- Medication side effects
- Overactive thyroid (rare)
- Radiation treatment of the testicles
- Tumors (rare)
When to Call Your Doctor
Most gynecomastia cases aren’t serious and usually go away on their own. You should call your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Breast lumps that feel hard or firm
- Dark or bloody discharge from the nipples
- Skin sores or ulcers over the breast
- Swelling, pain or enlargement in one or both breasts
Gynecomastia Treatments
If your gynecomastia condition doesn’t improve, your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing and treatment. Find gynecomastia treatments at NKCH & MH, including:
- Breast reduction surgery
- Hormone treatment
- Medication
Who is Eligible for Breast Reduction Surgery
You may consider surgery if other gynecomastia treatments don’t work for you. Male breast reduction surgery removes tissue from the breast. To qualify, you must be healthy, a non-smoker, and at an optimal weight.
Benefits and Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery
Possible risks of breast reduction surgery include scarring, changes in skin appearance and infection. The main benefit of surgery is that it’s the only long-term treatment for gynecomastia. If you choose to get breast reduction surgery, we will review all benefits and risks with you.