[Gynecomastia in males : Diagnostics and treatment]

Gynecomastia can be the expression of physiological processes and be temporary in nature (pubertal gynecomastia) but can also occur at any other age. It is therefore a common illness and, depending on the severity of the symptoms, can mean a great deal of psychological stress for the patient. Enlargement of the male breast is usually a benign finding; causes can be endocrine disorders, previously undetected systemic diseases or drug side effects. Male breast cancer in particular is a rare but important differential diagnosis. The diagnostic evaluation therefore aims at an endocrine clarification and the exclusion of neoplasms. Treatment can be conservative or surgical.