Pathologies of mammary glands in men - enlargement, compaction, cancer

Normally, in men, the mammary glands are in an embryonic state, which is determined by the features of ontogeny and hormonal background. Since the tissue and cells of the mammary glands are not actively dividing, their volume and dimensions remain approximately the same throughout their life. And the size of the breast largely depends on the development of the pectoral muscles, which are small and large pectoral muscles.

enlargement and consolidation of the mammary glands

In most cases, an increase in the size and volume of the male breast is called gynecomastia Figure 1).The cause of gynecomastia can be:

• an inflammatory process in the gland tissues;
• glandular hypertrophy due to endocrine disorders;
• overgrowth of the subcutaneous fat layer.

Gynecomastia can lead to breast enlargement both on one side and with both, and the process can be symmetrical and asymmetric. The enlargement of the mammary glands as a result of gynecomastia can reach up to 12 cm at a normal size up to 4 cm in diameter.

Fig.1 - True gynecomastia.

In addition to visual enlargement of the breast, its seals can be observed. Hypertrophic mammary gland is very dense in palpation. In some cases, there may also be a feeling of raspiraniya and discomfort in the affected area.

In some cases, gynecomastia is a physiological temporal condition. Thus, in adolescents from 12 to 15 years old, gynecomastia is possible. Breast enlargement at this age is associated with a significant hormonal reconstruction and passes independently. This reaction is manifested in 50-60% of boys.

True gynecomastia

Occurs as a result of a direct increase in the glandular tissue of the mammary glands in men( see Figure 1).This condition is observed when female steroid sex hormones-estrogens predominate in the blood plasma.

Normally, estrogens are also produced in the male body. But their concentration is so insignificant that it can not affect the so-called target organs, including the glandular tissue of the mammary glands.

Estrogen can enter the body of a man along with food and chemicals. Often, gynecomastia is observed in men who abuse beer and alcohol. Most beer drinks contain a large amount of estrogens and, when used systematically, can cause a significant increase in estrogen in the blood( hyperestrogenia), which will lead to the growth of the mammary glands in a man.

If true gynecomastia is not associated with alcohol abuse, then it can manifest itself because of a general imbalance in the hormonal system. With hormonal failure, not only an increase in female sex hormones, but a simultaneous decrease in the production of testosterone - the male sex hormone.

Thus, the systematic use of glucocorticosteroids( prednisolone, dexamethosone and others) can cause symptoms of gynecomastia.

False gynecomastia

Fig.2 - False gynecomastia.

Associated with excess adipose tissue and proliferation of adipocytes - fat cells in the chest and chest regions( see Figure 2).Unlike true gynecomastia with false palpation, the chest will be softer. The breast is not so elastic, but the consistency is loose.

Aggravation of adipose tissue occurs as a result of hormonal disorders in the neuroendocrine system, for example, in diabetes mellitus. Often false gynecomastia occurs as a result of metabolic syndrome.

Already with obesity of the second degree, one can observe an increase in the mammary glands in men by more than 4 cm in diameter, which is an alarming sign.

Inflammation of mammary glands

This pathology is much less common. The inflammatory process in the mammary gland in men can develop for various reasons, among which:

• intoxication of the body;
• cirrhosis;
• chronic renal failure;
• cardiovascular failure;
• HIV and AIDS;
• traumatizing the thoracic region.

Any inflammatory process, regardless of location, leads to vascular spasm and stagnation of blood in the area of ​​inflammation. If the inflammatory process is localized in the area of ​​the breast, then this place stagnates blood with the subsequent development of edema. Often, the edema can be taken for gynecomastia, but this condition is caused by other infectious or traumatic causes and, with the recovery, eventually passes.

Oncological diseases

Fig.3 - Breast cancer in men.

One of the rarest forms is the occurrence of benign and malignant neoplasms in the area of ​​the mammary glands in men. Tumors of the glandular breast tissue is a very rare disease, as this tissue is inactive and is subject to slow division.

Unlike breast cancer in women, malignant form in men is very rare and does not have a high rate of progression.

Breast cancer in men worries severe pain in the chest area, which helps in the preliminary diagnosis.

Conclusions

Gynecomastia is an ambiguous disease that can cause both minor changes in the body and become a symptom of serious disorders.

If you have symptoms of breast augmentation, raspiraniya, discomfort and even pain, you need to seek medical help. Only after a full-fledged examination it will be possible to establish the cause that caused breast enlargement in a man, and begin effective treatment. Be attentive to your body and be healthy!

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