Gynecomastia: A Review:

Multiple endocrine disorders manifested as gynecomastia in a patient with renal pelvis cancer

A 95‐year‐old man was diagnosed with left renal pelvis cancer which presented with rapid tumor growth, multiple metastases, and bilateral tender gynecomastia. Elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone were detected. The patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, and he passed away.

Innovations in the treatment of male chest deformity after weight loss: the authors' technique

Gynecomastia may result in psychological problems because the presence of a "feminized" chest changes the male body contour, altering the masculine ideal of virility. Currently, surgical techniques described for the correction of gynecomastia are for some patients associated with aesthetically unacceptable scars, sometimes less tolerated than the chest deformity itself. The case of a 20-year-old man who underwent the authors' male chest body-contouring technique with minimal visible scars is described.

The role of tamoxifen in the management of gynaecomastia

Gynaecomastia affects half of the male population at some stage in their life. Only a small proportion of them would require treatment for cosmetic appearance or to relieve pain and tenderness. Recently, tamoxifen has shown some promising results in the management of gynaecomastia. To assess the efficacy of tamoxifen, we carried out a retrospective study of all men treated for gynaecomastia with particular emphasis on those treated medically. Men with painful gynaecomastia were given 10 mg of tamoxifen for 3 months. Response to treatment was categorised as good, moderate and no response. Thirteen men (median age 36) were placed on tamoxifen. Ten patients responded well to tamoxifen. One patient developed calf tenderness and stopped the medication. No other adverse effects were reported. Two patients could not be followed up. Tamoxifen appears safe and effective in men with painful idiopathic or physiological gynaecomastia and should be considered as an initial option before contemplating surgery.

Presence of luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptors in male breast tissues

Receptors for LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have been found in a variety of nongonadal tissues including the female breast. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated the presence of LH/hCG receptor mRNA and protein in normal male breast tissue obtained at autopsy (n = 4) and archival samples of benign gynecomastia (n = 14) and male breast carcinoma (n = 5). Although the function of these receptors remains to be determined, the findings suggest the possibility that LH and hCG may play a role in the pathogenesis of male breast disorders.