[Adam F]

SURGICAL TREATMENT
When medical therapy is ineffective, particularly in cases of longstanding gynecomastia, or when the gynecomastia interferes with the patient's activities of daily living, or when there is suspicion of malignancy of breast, then surgical therapy is appropriate. This includes removal of glandular tissue coupled with liposuction, if needed. In our experience, uses of delicate cosmetic surgical techniques are warranted to prevent unsightly scarring.


PREVENTION OF GYNECOMASTIA IN MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER
Because androgen ***rivation is one of the commonly used treatment modalities for advanced prostate cancer, its possible role in the development of gynecomastia is of particular concern to clinicians. Low dose prophylactic irradiation has been variably reported to reduce the rate of gynecomastia in men receiving estrogens or antiandrogens for advanced prostate cancer
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SUMMARY
In summary, gynecomastia is a relatively common disorder. The causes of its development range vastly from benign physiologic processes to rare neoplasms. Thus, in order to properly diagnose the etiology of the gynecomastia, the clinician must understand the hormonal factors involved in breast development. Parallel to female breast development, estrogen, along with GH and IGF-1 is required for breast growth in males. Since a balance exists between estrogen and androgens in males, any disease state or medication that can increase circulating estrogen or decrease circulating androgen, causing an elevation in the estrogen to androgen ratio, can induce gynecomastia.

Due to the diversity of possibly etiologies, including neoplasm, performing a careful history and physical is imperative. Once gynecomastia has been diagnosed, treatment of the underlying cause is warranted. If no underlying cause is discovered, then close observation is appropriate. If the gynecomastia is severe, however, medical therapy can be attempted and if ineffective, glandular tissue can be removed surgically.