EAA clinical practice guidelines—gynecomastia evaluation and management
Authors: Kanakis G. A. , Nordkap L. , Bang A. K. , Calogero A. E. , Bártfai G. , Corona G. , Forti G. , Toppari J. , Goulis D. G. , Jørgensen N. 
Published: May 2019

Background

Gynecomastia (GM) is a benign proliferation of the glandular tissue of the breast in men. It is a frequent condition with a reported prevalence of 32–65%, depending on the age and the criteria used for definition. GM of infancy and puberty are common, benign conditions resolving spontaneously in the majority of cases. GM of adulthood is more prevalent among the elderly and proper investigation may reveal an underlying pathology in 45–50% of cases.

Objectives

The aim was to provide clinical practice guidelines for the evaluation and management of GM.

Materials and methods

A literature search of articles in English for the term ‘gynecomastia’ was conducted. Evidence‐based recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results

A set of five statements and fifteen clinical recommendations was formulated.

Conclusions

The purpose of GM assessment should be the detection of underlying pathological conditions, reversible causes (administration/abuse of aggravating substances), and the discrimination from other breast lumps, particularly breast cancer. Assessment should comprise a thorough medical history and physical examination of the breast and genitalia (including testicular ultrasound). A set of laboratory investigations may integrate the evaluation: testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), alpha‐fetal protein (AFP), liver and renal function tests. Breast imaging may be used whenever the clinical examination is equivocal. In suspicious lesions, core needle biopsy should be sought directly instead. Watchful waiting is recommended after treatment of underlying pathology or discontinuation of substances associated with GM. T treatment should be offered to men with proven T deficiency. The use of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and non‐aromatizable androgens is not justified in general. Surgical treatment is the therapy of choice for patients with long‐lasting GM.

Summary of Statements (S) and Recommendations (R)

S1. Gynecomastia (GM) is a benign proliferation of glandular tissue of the breast in males.

S2. GM of infancy is a common condition that usually resolves spontaneously, typically within the first year of life.

S3. GM of puberty is a common condition, affecting approximately 50% of mid‐pubertal boys; in more than 90% of cases, it resolves spontaneously within 24 months.

S4. The prevalence of GM in adulthood increases with increasing age; proper investigation may reveal an underlying pathology in approximately 45–50% of the cases.

S5. Male breast cancer is rare; GM should not be considered a premalignant condition.

The following recommendations are divided into ‘strong’, denoted by the number 1 and associated with the terminology ‘we recommend’, and ‘weak’ denoted by the number 2 and associated with the phrase ‘we suggest’. The grading of the quality of evidence is denoted as follows: ⊕○○○ for very low‐quality evidence; ⊕⊕○○ for low quality; ⊕⊕⊕○ for moderate quality; and ⊕⊕⊕⊕ for high quality.

R1. The presence of an underlying pathology should be considered in GM of adulthood. We recommend that the identification of an apparent reason for GM in adulthood, including the use of medication known to be associated with GM, should not preclude a detailed investigation (1 ⊕⊕⊕○).

R2. We suggest that the initial screening to rule out lipomastia, obvious breast cancer, or testicular cancer might be performed by a general practitioner or another non‐specialist (2 ⊕○○○).

R3. We recommend that in those cases where a thorough diagnostic workup is warranted, it should be performed by a specialist (1 ⊕○○○).

R4. We recommend that the medical history should include information on the onset and duration of GM, sexual development and function, and administration or abuse of substances associated with GM (1 ⊕⊕⊕○).

R5. We recommend that the physical examination should detect signs of under‐virilization or systemic disease (1 ⊕⊕⊕⊕).

R6. We recommend that breast examination should confirm the presence of palpable glandular tissue to discriminate GM from lipomastia (pseudo‐gynecomastia) and rule out the suspicion of malignant breast tumor (1 ⊕⊕⊕⊕).

R7. We recommend that the physical examination should include the examination of the genitalia to rule out the presence of a palpable testicular tumor and to detect testicular atrophy (1 ⊕⊕⊕⊕).

R8. We recommend that genitalia examination is aided by a testicular ultrasound, as the detection of a testicular tumor by palpation has low sensitivity (1 ⊕⊕○○).

R9. We suggest that a set of evaluations may include T, E2, SHBG, LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin, hCG, AFP, and liver and renal function tests (2 ⊕⊕○○).

R10. We suggest that breast imaging may offer assistance, where the clinical examination is equivocal (2 ⊕⊕○○).

R11. We suggest that, if the clinical picture is suspicious for a malignant lesion, core needle biopsy should be performed (2 ⊕⊕○○).

R12. We recommend watchful waiting after treatment of underlying pathology or discontinuation of the administration/abuse of substances associated with GM (1 ⊕⊕○○).

R13. We recommend that T treatment should be offered only to men with proven testosterone deficiency (1 ⊕⊕⊕○).

R14. We do not recommend the use of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors (AIs), or non‐aromatizable androgens in the treatment of GM in general (1 ⊕⊕○○).

R15. We suggest surgical treatment only for patients with long‐lasting GM, which does not regress spontaneously or following medical therapy. The extent and type of surgery depend on the size of breast enlargement, and the amount of adipose tissue (2 ⊕⊕○○).