Around the World, Men Suffer From Gynecomastia, Yearly statistics reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), show gynecomastia or male breast reduction surgery has increased each year since the reporting began in the year 2000. The development of female type breasts in men is not confined to the United States.
Stories emerge daily regarding men around the world who have gynecomastia. Recently an article was published about a man from Singapore who we will call David. David dealt with man boobs for over 20 years and may have continued to do so if it weren’t for the fact that he also had chest pain. He sought medical advice because he was concerned he might have a heart problem. Thankfully after seeking medical advice, the tests proved he and his heart were healthy.
David decided to try losing weight by diet and exercise to see if that would reduce his breasts. He did lose weight, but his breasts and chest pain remained. Determined to find a resolution David started researching on the internet. His search results revealed that he might have gynecomastia. He found a gynecomastia surgeon who confirmed his suspicions and recommended surgery. With encouragement from his wife to proceed, David scheduled surgery, and he hasn’t looked back since! After his recovery he stated that he feels like a “real man” and his chest pain disappeared!
David shares his personal experience with the goal that it will encourage other men to take action and not wait 20 years for a resolution like he did.
In another part of the world, Scotland reported cosmetic surgical procedures are on the rise. Gynecomastia is one of the top procedures requested by men; statistics showed an increase of 13% over 2014. Cosmetic surgery clinics are popping up throughout major cities in Scotland due to increased demands.
Gynecomastia.org has been providing men worldwide with the best source of information and forums since its inception in 1998. One of the choices under the forums tabs is “International Forums” representing multiple choices of different countries where men can interact with men from their own country, getting support, asking questions, and obtain reviews on surgeons who perform gynecomastia surgery in their area.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DICS) means Ductal (duct) Carcinoma (cancer) in Situ (in its original place).
DCIS is the earliest form of breast cancer. The cancer cells are confined to the ducts of the breast and not the surrounding tissue. DCIS is much less common in men than women, and only 7% of breast cancers in men are DCIS.
Most DCIS in men are of the papillary type, which refers to the microscopic shape of the cancer cells which resemble fingers or threads. It is considered stage 0, which is not a life threatening condition; it is non-invasive and can almost always be cured. However, in some cases if left untreated it could develop the ability to spread into the breast tissue surrounding the ducts. Once the cancer cells have spread outside the lining of the ducts or lobules into the surrounding tissue, it is called invasive breast cancer which accounts for 9 out of 10 breast cancer in men.
The exact cause of DCIS in men is unknown, but some causes are believed to be; family history of breast cancer, hormone exposure, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, and age.
Most men do not experience any symptoms, but some that do, may notice:
A painless lump under the nipple or areola
Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
An inverted nipple
Rash on the nipple
If any of these symptoms occur, your doctor will most likely send you to a specialist for advice or treatment. If breast cancer is suspected the doctor may order a mammogram, breast ultrasound, biopsy, and blood tests. If the tests are positive, further tests most likely will be ordered to determine where the cancer is and at what stage.
No increase in breast cancer risk has been found associated with gynecomastia. Men are less likely to be diagnosed in the early stages than women, but due to increased awareness of breast cancer in men, early detection at the non-invasive stage has increased.
Not everyone that has DCIS will develop invasive breast cancer but it is impossible to predict who will and who won’t, most surgeons believe the preferred treatment is a customized multidisciplinary treatment plan for each patient.
Dr. Delgado states that out of many hundreds of men he has treated for gynecomastia, only one man who was in his forties, developed DCIS. That patient went on to have further treatment. This is the reason that Dr. Delgado submits breast tissue samples to pathology in most cases. This article is written to heighten the awareness of this issue.
