What is Gynaecomastia and Pseudogynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia also spelled as Gynecomastia is an enlargement of glandular breast tissue in males. Usually, it is a common but non-dangerous condition. Normally boys experience growth of their breast tissue at adolescence as a result of pubertal hormonal changes. 75% of these patients require no treatment and will normalize within 02 years. If the condition persists and associated with other signs and symptoms then proper hormonal evaluation has to be performed in order to rule out any underlying abnormality. The second most common cause of Gynaecomastia in males is the decline of testosterone levels with advancing age. Other causes include drugs and metabolic disorders.
Pseudogynaecomastia is an increase in the male breast size as a result of accumulation of Fatty tissue and not because of Glandular tissue. This condition is usually not associated with any underlying abnormality.
Gynaecomastia associated with underlying hormonal imbalance has to be diagnosed first and then treated accordingly. Normally the breast has two kinds of tissues. One is fatty tissue and the other is glandular tissue. If the breast has pre-dominantly fatty tissue then the patient greatly benefits having liposuction done from the area. If the ratio of glandular tissue is more than the fat, then it has to be surgically removed. Before we plan the surgery, we have certain hormonal tests and a breast / chest ultrasound done in order to determine the amount of fat and evaluation of hormonal status. We also take second opinion from an Endocrinologist (hormones specialist) for proper diagnosis. The Endocrinologist after taking proper history, performing a through physical examination and reviewing the investigations, determines if we are on right track. Once he Okays that the patient will benefit from the liposuction we go ahead with the procedure.