From the Guidelines
Gynecomastia can indeed be both painful and unilateral, as evidenced by the fact that it is more likely to be painful than cancer, especially in cases where it has been present for less than 6 months 1.
Key Characteristics of Gynecomastia
- Gynecomastia is the most common cause of a palpable mass, breast enlargement, or pain in men.
- It often presents as a soft, rubbery, or firm mobile mass directly under the nipple.
- The condition can be bilateral, but it is also common for it to occur unilaterally.
- Pain or tenderness is a frequent symptom, particularly during the initial growth phase.
Clinical Considerations
- Unilateral gynecomastia may raise concerns about breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of evaluation by a healthcare provider.
- The pain associated with gynecomastia typically resolves once the breast tissue growth stabilizes.
- Treatment options vary and may include addressing underlying conditions, discontinuing potentially causative medications, or considering surgical interventions for persistent cases.
Management of Painful Gynecomastia
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can provide temporary relief for painful gynecomastia while the underlying cause is being addressed 1.
- It is crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause of gynecomastia to effectively manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
From the Research
Gynecomastia Characteristics
- Gynecomastia is an abnormal increase in the volume of the male breast, generally due to an increased estrogen/androgen ratio 2.
- It can be accompanied by breast pain or tenderness, as seen in patients receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer 2.
Pain and Unilaterality
- Gynecomastia can be painful, with mastalgia present in the majority of cases (87.7%) 3.
- It can be unilateral, with 71.6% of cases presenting as unilateral gynecomastia 3.
- Unilateral gynecomastia can be treated with tamoxifen, which has shown promising results in managing the condition 4, 3, 5.
Treatment Options
- Tamoxifen has been shown to be effective in treating idiopathic gynecomastia, with a complete response rate of 90.1% 3.
- Other treatment options include surgical removal of the enlarged breast tissue, which may be necessary when gynecomastia does not resolve spontaneously or with medical therapy 2, 6.
- Radiation therapy may also provide effective relief from breast pain associated with gynecomastia 2.