This is an Abstract from the April 1997 edition of American Family Physician . M.D. Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Fontana, California Gynecomastia is a proliferation of the glandular component of the male breast. Causes include altered estrogen-androgen levels, aging, puberty, chronic disease, tumors and drugs. The physician must determine whether the condition has a physiologic or pathologic cause.
Pubertal gynecomastia is generally physiologic and regresses without treatment.
The likelihood of pathology is increased in patients over 26 years of age who present with new-onset gynecomastia. A thorough history, a complete physical examination and an appropriate clinical evaluation facilitate the prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition.