Adolescent Gynaecomastia

Adolescent Gynaecomastia

A condition that affects 50–65% of males at puberty, which is characterised by enlargement of the breast due to proliferation of the glandular component; typically the enlargement is minimal, but may be severe enough to require mammoplasty.
Pathogenesis Uncertain; oestrogens stimulate breast tissue; androgens antagonise these effects and thus gynaecomastia is regarded as an imbalance of the two.
Management Generally gynaecomastia is self-limited in adolescence. If present for more than 2 years it requires surgical management by a breast surgeon.

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