I’ve been experiencing pain and swelling in my chest area. What could be the problem?
You could be suffering from gynecomastia, more commonly known as man boobs. While the condition isn’t necessarily serious in every case, it can be embarrassing.
What causes gynecomastia?
It’s brought on by enlarged breast tissue and swollen glands on the chest area. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. The causes may include hormonal imbalance, side effects of certain medications, and even aging.
Gynecomastia during puberty is not uncommon but if the problem persists into adulthood, surgical intervention is the recommended option. Older men between the ages of 50 and 90 may develop man-boobs gynecomastia due to changes in hormone levels, although other causes or health conditions may also contribute.
What are some of the symptoms to look out for?
In addition to a tender or swollen chest area, you should also check for nipple discharge in one or both breasts. If you notice these symptoms, then schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Can I use ice to ease the swelling and pain? Will exercise help minimise the size of my chest?
No, the discomfort you’re experiencing likely will not go away with these measures. In fact, it may cause more pain with each passing day. If the swelling and pain do not subside, I recommend that you seek professional help as soon as possible.
What can be done to help my oversized chest area?
Gynecomastia surgery may be the solution you need. There are two kinds: the first is a mastectomy, where the breast gland tissue is removed endoscopically. This means only small incisions are made on your chest area. The second is through liposuction, which removes breast fat but not the gland tissue itself.
However, it’s important to raise any concerns you may have about the procedure when consulting your doctor. The recovery time tends to be minimal, but this may depend on how fast your body is able to recuperate after minor surgery. Additionally, man-boobs surgery is said to sculpt the chest area and leave a more defined and “masculine” appearance.
