Gynaecomastia

What is gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is enlargement of the male breast tissue. Gynae means 'woman' and mastos means 'breast' in Greek. Gynaecomastia is a benign proliferation of the glandular tissue of the breast in men. ¹

It may occur at any time and there are a number of causes, some physiological and others pathological. Pathological causes involve an imbalance between the activity of androgens and oestrogens - the former is decreased compared with the latter.

How common is gynaecomastia? (Epidemiology)¹

• Gynaecomastia is common, affecting 50% of mid-pubertal boys. Incidence increases again over the age of 65

• Male breast cancer is rare (lifetime risk of 0.1%); gynaecomastia should not be considered as a pre-malignant condition and does not increase the risk of breast cancer. However, gynaecomastia in adults is often related to some sort of pathology and this should be looked for; European guidelines advise that this should be done by a specialist, after iatrogenic causes or those due to drugs of abuse are ruled out.

Pathophysiology²

Oestrogen stimulates breast tissue growth whilst androgens inhibit it. The important factor is the ratio of active androgens to oestrogens. The ratio can be altered as a result of reduced testosterone production/action or enhanced oestrogen production/action or both. Increased levels of oestrogen suppress luteinising hormone, which causes further suppression of testicular production of oestrogen.

Gynaecomastia may therefore be caused by:

• Conditions which cause raised oestrogen levels.

• Conditions which cause low testosterone levels.

• Conditions which affect levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), as it affects the free testosterone:oestrogen balance.

• Conditions which cause androgen resistance.

• Conditions which cause an increased conversion of androgens to oestrogens. Aromatase is one of the cytochrome P450 enzymes and is involved in the aromatisation of androgens to oestrogens - for example, changing androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol. This enzyme is found in many tissues - for example, brain, adipose tissue, blood vessels and the gonads. Enhanced adipose tissue, as in obesity, provides increased levels of the enzyme and, hence, increased production of oestrogens leading to gynaecomastia.

Once this ratio falls, breast tissue is stimulated to grow. This leads to proliferation of breast ducts and fibroblastic stroma. If the stimulus to proliferation continues then the ducts and fibroblastic stroma are replaced by fibrosis and gynaecomastia becomes well established and irreversible.

Causes of gynaecomastia

Physiological

• Newborn. This is the result of maternal oestrogens, and the gynaecomastia resolves after a few weeks.

• Adolescence. This is common around the age of 14, may be unilateral and may be tender. It resolves spontaneously within one to two years. It may be due to the relatively delayed testosterone surge with relation to oestrogen at puberty, or due to a temporary increase in aromatase activity.

• Increasing age - associated with low testosterone levels.

Pathological

• Lack of testosterone:

  • Congenital absence of testes. There are absent levels of testosterone with normal estradiol levels and patients experience severe gynaecomastia

  • Androgen resistance.

  • Klinefelter's syndrome (XXY syndrome). Associated with gynaecomastia in 80% of cases. Men with Klinefelter's syndrome have an increased risk of breast cancer and this needs to be considered (risk is increased up to 20 times that of other patients with gynaecomastia).

  • Viral orchitis.

  • Trauma.

  • Castration.

  • Renal disease and dialysis.

  • Enzymatic defects in testosterone production.

  • True hermaphroditism.

• Increased oestrogen levels:

  • Testicular tumours (for example, Leydig's cell tumour) which secrete estradiol.

  • Hermaphroditism.

  • Neoplasms producing human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) - for example, lung: hCG stimulates Leydig's cells to excrete estradiol. Also, gastric carcinomas, renal cell carcinomas and hepatomas.

  • Adrenal tumours: these can release oestrogens.

  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (high androgens and oestrogens).

  • Liver disease or cirrhosis. In liver disease there is an increased production of androstenedione by the adrenal glands, increased aromatisation of androstenedione to oestrogen, loss of clearance of adrenal androgens by the liver and a rise in SHBG, resulting in gynaecomastia.

  • Malnourishment and re-feeding syndrome.

  • Hyperthyroidism.

  • Obesity.

  • Extreme stress.

  • Aromatase excess syndrome. Mutation of the aromatase gene causes excess oestrogen levels, prepubertal gynaecomastia and premature epiphyseal fusion.³

• Medication:
  Medication accounts for up to 25% of all cases in adult men:

  • Oestrogens or oestrogenic action: diethylstilbestrol, herbal remedies with phytoestrogens, creams and cosmetics containing oestrogen, and possibly tea tree oil and lavender oil products, phenytoin, clomifene.

  • Digoxin, due to an oestrogen-like effect. The effect is enhanced if liver derangement co-exists.

  • Inhibitors of testosterone synthesis: for example, metronidazole, ketoconazole, spironolactone, chemotherapy, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GNRH) agonists such as leuprolide and goserelin.

  • Inhibitors of testosterone action: for example, cyproterone, flutamide, bicalutamide, finasteride, dutasteride, H2 receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), marijuana.

  • Androgens causing high oestrogen levels: anabolic steroids, excessive testosterone replacement therapy.

  • Medications which increase prolactin levels: for example, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, metoclopramide, verapamil.

  • Antiretrovirals. The exact mechanism by which antiretrovirals cause gynaecomastia is unknown. It often presents as unilateral and tender gynaecomastia. Efavirenz has been implicated and stopping it results in resolution of gynaecomastia. However, there can be more sinister causes for the gynaecomastia which should not be missed - for example, lymphoma.

  • Others - for example, amiodarone, isoniazid, methyldopa, diazepam, calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, alcohol, amphetamines, growth hormone, isoniazid, theophylline, heroin.

• Other causes:

  • Long-term type 1 diabetes mellitus.

  • Chronic illness.

  • Spinal cord injury.

• Idiopathic.

Approach to a patient presenting with gynaecomastia

Thorough history

• Commonly, gynaecomastia is asymptomatic.

• Onset and duration of breast enlargement.

• Tenderness.

• Presence of sexual dysfunction.

• Medication history.

• Any use of drugs of abuse -for example, anabolic steroids, alcohol, heroin and marijuana.

• Past medical history, family history.

Examination

• Is it true enlargement of breast tissue? Enlargement of breast tissue may represent adipose tissue (pseudogynaecomastia) or true proliferation of breast tissue. This can be examined by pinching breast tissue between the thumb and forefinger - true proliferation can be felt as a distinct disc of tissue under the skin. If there is any doubt, ultrasonography or mammography may help (these may only be accessible via a secondary care referral).

• Size and asymmetry.

• Any evidence of liver disease or renal impairment - for example, palmar erythema, bruising, spider naevi, hepatomegaly.

• Evidence to suggest lack of testosterone -for example, hairless, shiny skin, testicular size, testicular masses, tenor of voice.

• Presence or absence of sexual characteristics.

• Signs of hyperthyroidism or Cushing's syndrome.

• Testicular examination, looking for a lump which may be a malignancy.

Investigations

These should be performed on a clinical basis, that is, according to the history and examination. For example, if the patient is on gynaecomastia-inducing medication then these tests may not be necessary.

Blood tests

Blood tests are not indicated in those with fatty breast enlargement, physiological pubertal or senile changes, an identified drug cause, or a clinically apparent cancer.

• Renal function.

• LFTs.

• TFTs.

• Hormone profile:

  • Estradiol.

  • Testosterone.

  • Prolactin.

  • Beta-hCG level.

  • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).

  • Luteinising hormone (LH):

    • LH high and testosterone low - indicates testicular failure.

    • LH and testosterone both low - indicates increase in oestrogens.

    • LH and testosterone both high - androgen resistance or neoplasm secreting gonadotrophins.

• Chromosomal karyotyping may need to be considered.

Imaging

• Ultrasonography or mammography of breasts in all cases of suspicious or unilateral breast enlargement. Also if there is clinical doubt about whether there is gynaecomastia or fatty enlargement.

• Ultrasonography of testes if there is any abnormality on examination, or if there is a raised beta-hCG or AFP.

• CXR if a lung lesion is suspected.

Biopsy

• Needle core biopsy for those with suspicious clinical or radiological findings. This should be done urgently if the breast tissue is hard, non-tender or adjoins underlying structure.

• Biopsy will provide a definitive diagnosis - for example, proliferation of ductules and loose connective tissue confirms gynaecomastia.

If no underlying cause is found, it is said to be idiopathic.

Gynaecomastia and male breast cancer⁴⁵

See the separate Male breast cancer article.

• Male breast cancer is uncommon. It accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer, around 400 cases per year in the UK compared to 55,000 in women.⁶ Breast cancer is only diagnosed in around 1% of cases of male breast enlargement.

• Mean age of male breast cancer is 65 years - but it can occur at any age.

• There is increased risk in Klinefelter's syndrome (58-fold higher risk) and treatment with oestrogens, such as in gender change. ⁷

• Levels are also increased with a positive family history and breast cancer risk genes - for example, BRCA1 and BRCA2.

• A history of ionising radiation increases risk.

• Red flags which increase suspicion of breast cancer in men:

  • Unilateral enlargement.

  • Hard or irregular breast tissue.

  • Rapidly enlarging.

  • Recent onset.

  • Fixed mass.

  • Nipple or skin abnormalities.

  • Painful.

  • >5 cm.

  • Axillary lymphadenopathy.

Refer on a suspected cancer pathway if there is any doubt or suspicion of a sinister cause.

Treatment for gynaecomastia

• Refer any man with red flag symptoms, as mentioned under 'Gynaecomastia and male breast cancer', above. Also refer if the underlying cause is unclear and/or gynaecomastia is causing significant distress to the patient, or if you feel that investigations are appropriate which are not available in primary care.

• Intervention choice will depend on the aim, be it alleviation of tenderness, cosmetic appearance, anxiety regarding cause, or treatment of underlying disease. Early phases are more amenable to treatment; once fibrosis has occurred, surgery may be the only option.

• Treat the underlying cause if found - for example, removal of the offending medication, or androgen replacement in testicular failure. Gynaecomastia associated with obesity may respond to weight loss although breast tissue usually remains.

• Reassurance may be sufficient if gynaecomastia is asymptomatic and no sinister cause has been discovered.

• Of the medical treatments used, tamoxifen is the most effective, but European guidelines only recommend it for possible use in painful gynaecomastia of recent origin, as it may reduce pain. Less than 10% who use it will have full resolution of their gynaecomastia. It is effective because of its anti-oestrogen effect.

• Testosterone should only be offered to men with proven testosterone deficiency.

• Other medications which have been used, with limited evidence of benefit, are danazol, raloxifene and clomifene. Aromatase inhibitors are also not recommended.

• If no underlying cause is discovered or gynaecomastia is long-standing with development of fibrosis then surgical removal of breast tissue is the only effective therapy. Surgery involves subcutaneous mastectomy or liposuction-associated mastectomy. Surgery can be associated with nipple inversion, nipple necrosis, painful scar tissue and possible sensory changes. It is considered an option only where medical treatment has failed or side-effects are unacceptable, there is malignancy, if gynaecomastia is long-standing, where symptoms are severe or if the condition is causing considerable distress, irrespective of size. Surgical complications can be minimised by the use of minimally invasive surgery and cosmetic techniques. Many ICBs in England do not fund surgery for gynaecomastia; some have an exemption where it has a medical cause such as being caused by treatment for prostate cancer.⁸

• In prostatic carcinoma the development of gynaecomastia is a common reason for poor treatment adherence. Prophylactic breast irradiation prior to starting treatment with androgen deprivation therapy has been used with good results. However, tamoxifen has been shown to be more effective both for prophylaxis and treatment.⁹

Prognosis

• Gynaecomastia is mostly a benign condition.

• Complete resolution can occur if the underlying cause is identified and treatment initiated before fibrosis of breast tissue occurs.

• Gynaecomastia can be physically embarrassing and psychologically distressing for patients and this should not be underestimated.