Gynecomastia
This noncancerous condition is a swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men, typically caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It may sometimes cause pain and those who have it may feel embarrassed. If the condition doesn't go away on its own, medication or surgery may be used for treatment.
Gynecomastia may appear as a button-like or disk-like growth under the nipple and areola that can be felt and sometimes seen. When the condition is more severe, men appear to have small breasts. It is common in teenage boys or older men when hormones are changing.
Other causes of a hormonal imbalance that leads to gynecomastia:
- Obesity
- Tumors or diseases of certain hormone-producing glands
- Liver disease
- Certain medications, including some that are used to treat ulcers and heartburn, high blood pressure, heart failure and psychiatric conditions.
Benign Breast Tumors
There are a wide variety of benign breast tumors, which do not spread outside the breast and are not life-threatening. They are rare in men.
