Mastopathy in men: clinical signs and treatment tactics

The human breast consists of the mammary gland, adipose tissue, subcutaneous tissue and skin. It begins in the early period of intrauterine development in both sexes. The term “breast glands” is more often used for men.

They have the same anatomical structure as women, but are in an undeveloped state. These glands also have receptors that are sensitive to the effects of hormones.

The fact of the presence of a mammary gland in men also implies the possibility of pathological processes occurring in it.

Despite the absence of full-fledged mammary glands in men, they can also suffer from mastopathy

Causes of inflammation of the mammary glands in men

In the male body there are female sex hormones ─ estrogens, which have a stimulating effect on the mammary glands, and androgens, which have the opposite effect. An imbalance between them leads to the development of mastopathy, most often expressed as gynecomastia. Hormones such as prolactin and progesterone are also involved in the development of the disease.

The disease can develop in any man, but it appears more often in those who are exposed to the following risk factors:

obesity;
endocrine system disorders;
diabetes;
thyroid diseases;
testicular pathology;
use of antipsychotics and antidepressants, which increase the production of prolactin.

Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a risk factor for the development of many diseases

Obesity is the leading cause of male mastopathy.

Fat produces leptin, a peptide hormone that suppresses testosterone production. Adipose tissue is also involved in the production of estrogen. This leads to the formation of the mammary gland according to the female type in a man.

Physiological mastopathy in men occurs during puberty, when there is a surge of hormones and there is not always a balance in their ratio. The disease can manifest itself in old age, in the process of fading of androgen function as a result of a decrease in their quantity.

Male mastopathy in some cases occurs simultaneously with liver diseases, since the breakdown and utilization of hormones occurs in this organ. Risk factors include:

hepatitis;
cirrhosis;
fatty hepatosis.

Fatty degeneration of liver cells indirectly affects hormonal imbalance and can provoke the development of mastopathy

In addition to the above reasons, the disease can be caused by alcohol abuse, which provokes disturbances in the liver. Inflammation of the mammary glands can develop if there is cancer in the body. Cancerous tumors secrete human chorionic gonadotropic hormone (hCG), which provokes mastopathy.

Cases of the disease have been recorded in men who engage in strength sports and take anabolic drugs. The role of heredity in the development of the disease is traced.

Signs of mastopathy in men

The first sign is a lump in the breast area, most often near the nipple due to the proliferation of gland tissue. At first it may be painless, but later on palpation the man experiences pain. This is due to increased breast sensitivity.

The development of mastopathy can be suspected by swelling and hardening of the parapapillary area.

Roughening of the skin of the nipple may occur. There is a change in the shape of the breast according to the female type. Over time, the pain gradually subsides, but lumps and swelling of the breast remain.

Sometimes patients experience colorless and odorless discharge from the nipples and inflammation of nearby lymph nodes.

The pathological process can be unilateral or bilateral. If the mastopathy is unilateral, the asymmetry of the glands is clearly visible.

Types of mastopathy:

True ─ enlarged mammary gland, a dense formation has formed and after some time its conservation occurs.
False ─ imitates an increase, develops when a man has increased water and fat content in the body.
Fat accumulates around the breast. With a mixed type of mastopathy, hypertrophy of both glandular and adipose tissue is observed
Mixed ─ the presence of fat and gland compaction in different percentages.

The disease occurs in several stages:

Development ─ first four months. Small lumps appear, are painless, the breasts are not enlarged.
Intermediate stage ─ 5–12 months. The mammary glands in men become enlarged and pain appears.
The last stage is a year after the start of development. The breasts are significantly enlarged, the pathology cannot be treated with medication and requires surgical intervention.

Complications of the disease

Mastopathy in men is a disease that requires serious treatment. The most dangerous complication is breast cancer. It is much less common than in women.

But since the organ is small in size, the neoplasm grows very quickly and goes beyond its limits. As a rule, men rarely pay attention to the condition of the glands, so cancer is detected in the later stages. The tumor in men quickly ulcerates.

If you have such symptoms, you need to contact a mammologist-oncologist.

Signs of degeneration of mastopathy into a malignant tumor

It is important to avoid trauma to the gland. If this does happen, it is necessary to exclude the appearance of a hematoma. If it has formed, you need to consult a doctor and ensure that the hematoma completely resolves. An unresolved hematoma organizes and creates conditions for the development of cancer.

Diagnosis and prevention of pathology

All patients are required to undergo a breast ultrasound. The structure and size are determined, and the development of a malignant formation is excluded.
Upon palpation in the area of the glands, small compactions in the form of nodules can be clearly felt.
Blood tests are taken for tumor markers and sex hormones. In case of nodular mastopathy, a biopsy is prescribed to determine the morphology of the formation.

Men who have a family history of mastopathy need to undergo regular diagnostics that exclude or confirm the genetic form of the disease - a blood test for BRCA (genetic panel).

Preventive screening will help prevent the development of a genetic form of mastopathy

To prevent the development of mastopathy, men, as well as women, are recommended to undergo regular examination of the mammary glands.

How is mastopathy treated in men?

Physiological mastopathy has a favorable course, goes away on its own and does not require specific treatment.

The first person a man should contact is an endocrinologist. Often patients immediately turn to the surgeon. But here it is important not just to remove the formation, but to determine the cause and eliminate it so that relapses do not occur ─ using hormonal correction.

The first and second stages can be treated with medication. In addition to hormonal drugs, the following drugs are prescribed:

To relieve inflammation and swelling ─ anti-inflammatory drugs ─ Naproxen, Ketoprofen, Ibuprofen.

In addition to specific therapy, symptomatic therapy is used in the treatment of mastopathy.

To reduce pain ─ non-steroidal painkillers.
To combat foci of infection and prevent complications ─ antibiotics.

In addition to drug treatment, strict adherence to the diet is necessary, in particular, complete abstinence from alcohol, especially beer. The beer contains hop cone extract, which contains natural phytoestrogens and therefore creates a certain risk of tissue changes in the mammary gland.

Important! In case of mastopathy, massage and other physiotherapy procedures are strictly contraindicated.

Pathologically changed tissue is easily injured. As a result, severe inflammation develops, which significantly aggravates the patient’s general condition. Compresses and heating are prohibited, as they can provoke the degeneration of inflamed tissue into cancer.

In cases that are not amenable to drug therapy, surgical intervention is used.

If benign gynecomastia is confirmed, the patient is recommended to undergo surgical removal of the gland ─ subcutaneous mastectomy. The operation is indicated for advanced forms and lack of effect from drug treatment.

The intervention is carried out with minimal trauma. A small incision is made along the border of the pigmented part of the breast. Through this access, mastopathy of any size can be removed.

The rehabilitation process is quite fast. Postoperative scars heal within 14 days. The main recommendations for recovery are limiting physical activity for about 30 days and wearing compression garments for 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the severity of the pathology.

For more information about gynecomastia, the most common manifestation of mastopathy in men, see the video below:

Source: http://bolezni.com/stati-o-boleznyah/mastopatiya/proyavleniya-mastopatii-u-muzhchin.html

Mastopathy - causes, signs, treatment

Pathology of the mammary glands in the form of fibrocystic transformation is called mastopathy . This disease is classified as a female disease, although men also have similar conditions. In representatives of the stronger sex, the mammary glands are more often affected during adolescence. But sometimes painful lumps occur at other ages (including childhood and old age).

All benign diseases of the mammary glands in men that occur with tissue hypertrophy are called gynecomastia (see Fig. 1).

Rice. 1 - Hypertrophy of the mammary glands in men - gynecomastia (before and after surgery).

Normal structure of the mammary glands in men

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Mammary (breast) glands are formed during prenatal development in both boys and girls. Before puberty (puberty), there are practically no differences in the anatomical structure of this area. Then, in teenage girls, glandular tissue grows under the influence of estrogens, gestagens, and prolactin. The volume, shape, and structure of the organ changes. In young men, the mammary glands practically do not develop. In adulthood, men have an areola of relatively small diameter and a nipple 2-4 mm high. The mammary glands are located in the spaces between the fourth and fifth ribs to the left and right of the midline. The organ tissue (when examining a macroscopic specimen) has a whitish color. The lobules and passages are poorly developed and short. The normal thickness of the mammary gland in a man is up to 5 mm, and the width is up to 15 mm.

The histological structure is divided into 2 sections:

secretory (consists of epithelial ducts);
interstitial (consists of connective tissue).

Glandular tissue in men is influenced by a number of hormones. The main role belongs to androgens, prolactin, estrogens, gonadotropins, somatotropin. In this case, sex steroids have a greater effect on the epithelial ducts (parenchyma), and prolactin has a greater effect on interstitial tissues.

What is gynecomastia?

Hypertrophy of the mammary glands in men is called gynecomastia. The increase may be due to different tissues. If the volume increases due to subcutaneous fat, then gynecomastia is false. Increased size due to glandular tissue is called the true form of this condition. Quite often, gynecomastia is considered mixed (both glandular and fatty components are present in the tissue (see Fig. 1)).

Rice. 2 - Gynecomastia caused by the proliferation of glandular tissue and subcutaneous fat (mixed gynecomastia).

False gynecomastia is usually found in obesity, while true and mixed gynecomastia is a manifestation of hormonal imbalance or a serious illness.

Stages of development of gynecomastia:

proliferation of the thoracic ducts;
proliferation of the glandular component;
fibrous proliferation (proliferation of connective tissue).

Gynecomastia is considered a normal variant:

in newborns (determined in 50% of boys);
in adolescents (detected in 40-60% of young men);
in the elderly (occurs in 25-30% of men over 50 years of age).

Enlargement of the mammary glands in newborns is associated with exposure to maternal estrogen. Gynecomastia usually goes away in the first month after the baby is born.

Hypertrophy of glandular tissue in boys during puberty is associated with hormonal changes in the body. Breast enlargement resolves on its own within 6-24 months.

In older men, gynecomastia occurs due to a drop in testosterone levels and the occurrence of relative hyperestrogenism.
In young adult men without excess weight, gynecomastia is relatively rare (10-20%).
Table 1 - Degrees of mammary gland hypertrophy.

DEGREE
DESCRIPTION

1st degree	Small nodule under the areola (subareolar nodule)
2nd degree	The gland occupies almost the entire space under the areola
3rd degree	The entire area of the areola is occupied by glandular tissue
4th degree	The node exceeds the size of the areola and extends beyond it (up to 10 cm in diameter)

These grades are used to evaluate true and mixed gynecomastia.

Pathological causes of gynecomastia

Breast hypertrophy in men can occur due to physiological or pathological reasons. The first group includes all natural etiological factors (aging, puberty, etc.).

Pathological causes include:

One in 500 newborn boys has an extra chromosome in their cells (47,XXY versus the usual 46,XY). Such children subsequently develop all the signs of Klinefelter syndrome. These include a characteristic appearance, hypogonadism, infertility, and erectile dysfunction. Also, from adolescence, patients experience gynecomastia.

The most pronounced changes in hormonal levels and the appearance of gynecomastia are provoked by neoplasms of the testicle, adrenal cortex, and pituitary gland. Such tumors can be a source of gonadotropins, estrogens, gestagens, and androgens. Prolactinoma of the pituitary gland is also relatively common. In this case, a benign neoplasm releases excess levels of prolactin into the blood.

Thyrotoxicosis is accompanied by gynecomastia in 20-40% of men. Excess thyroid hormones lead to activation of the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. Endocrine cells in this area produce androgens. But these sex steroids are quickly transformed into estrogens due to thyrotoxicosis. As a result, a relative predominance of female steroids is formed in the body.

Excessive aromatization of testosterone in peripheral tissues is also provoked by metabolic syndrome (see Fig. 3). The pathology is based on insufficient tissue sensitivity to pancreatic insulin.

This condition is also often accompanied by hypogonadism.

Testosterone is not secreted enough, since the testicles can be damaged by hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia, characteristic of metabolic syndrome.

Rice. 3 - The effect of increased aromatase activity on androgen levels in men.

Kidney diseases lead to chronic intoxication of the body. Metabolic products accumulate in the blood. Toxic substances suppress testosterone production. This leads to the appearance of hypogonadism and relative hyperestrogenism.

Liver pathology has even more striking manifestations. Chronic hepatitis, fatty hepatosis, cirrhosis, and cancer can lead to organ failure. In the liver tissue, due to these diseases, aromatase is activated, converting androgens into estrogens (see Fig. 3).

The transformation process is going very quickly. Because of this, men acquire feminine characteristics and develop gynecomastia.

In severe cases, Silvestrini-Corda syndrome develops, including testicular hypotrophy, mammary gland hypertrophy, liver cirrhosis, and low testosterone levels in the blood.

Fasting, stress, and severe somatic illnesses sometimes disrupt the hormonal balance of the male body. If there is a relatively large amount of estrogen, then gynecomastia naturally appears.

Among medications and narcotic substances, mammary hypertrophy is provoked by:

antiandrogens (flutamide, veroshpiron, finasteride);
androgens;
anabolic steroid;
antiretroviral drugs (efavirenz, etc.);
sedatives (diazepam);
antidepressants;
antibiotics;
chemotherapeutic agents;
cardiac glycosides (digoxin);
antihypertensives (calcium channel blockers);
alcoholic drinks;
drugs (opiates, marijuana, amphetamines, etc.).

It is known that dietary supplements, some foods, and cosmetics can also increase estrogen levels.

Rice. 4 - Enlargement of the mammary glands, provoked by taking anabolic steroids.

Symptoms of breast pathology in men

Signs of gynecomastia can be mild or quite severe.

The main complaints in men associated with this disease:

swelling in the nipple area;
pain in the nipple area;
discomfort and feeling of constriction in the projection of the pectoral muscles;
nipple discharge;
increased pigmentation of the areola;
an increase in the volume of soft tissue in the pectoral muscles.

When feeling their breasts, men can independently discover a small round formation located behind the areola.

The patient also notes the accumulation and sagging of adipose tissue in the chest area. Externally, the male body begins to resemble a female one (visible mammary glands are formed).

Usually the changes are bilateral, that is, the right and left glands hypertrophy. If the increase occurs only on one side (Fig. 5), then the risk of a malignant process is higher.

Rice. 5 - Uneven hypertrophy of the mammary glands may indicate a malignant process.

Examination for mastopathy in men

Boys and men with new-onset gynecomastia must undergo a comprehensive examination. Usually this condition is benign and safe for health.

In many cases it does not require treatment.

However, there are situations when mammary hypertrophy occurs due to malignant neoplasms or other serious diseases that require immediate medical intervention.

Diagnosis can be carried out by a general practitioner, therapist, surgeon, endocrinologist, andrologist, oncologist, etc.

Standard examination includes:

collection of information (history);
inspection;
palpation (feeling);
ultrasonography;
hormonal profile;
blood chemistry;
mammography;
tomography;
puncture.

An integrated approach allows us to clarify the presence, nature and degree of gynecomastia, as well as its causes.

Treatment of mastopathy in men

Physiological gynecomastia usually goes away on its own and does not require special treatment. During adolescence, some patients require consultation with a psychologist to adapt to the characteristics of growing up and changes in their own body.

If endocrine diseases (thyrotoxicosis, hyperprolactinemia) have led to hypertrophy of the mammary glands, then the patient is recommended to treat these pathologies first.
If gynecomastia is due to hypogonadism, the patient may be prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone.
Surgical treatment is carried out:

with a pronounced cosmetic defect;
with fibrosis of the mammary glands;
with nodal forms of the disease;
if an oncological process is suspected.

The surgery includes mastectomy (removal of the gland) and liposuction (removal of fatty tissue).

Endocrinologist Tsvetkova I.G.

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Source: http://MenQuestions.ru/endokrinologiya/mastopatiya-u-muzhchin.html

Diagnosis of mastopathy in men

The diagnosis of mastopathy in men is characterized by pathological proliferation of glandular and fatty breast tissue.

Mastopathy, or fibrocystic disease, is considered a female disease. But it turns out that in rare cases men also suffer from it. Among the stronger sex, boys during puberty, athletes and beer drinkers are most susceptible to breast problems.

The essence of mastopathy in men

The scientific name of male mastopathy is gynecomastia (from Greek - “female breast”). This disease is characterized by pathological proliferation of glandular and fatty breast tissue.

At the same time, it visually increases in size and becomes similar to a woman’s. At the first stage of the disease, the process of proliferation (division) of alveolar cells begins, subsequently fibrous scars form, and excess adipose tissue is deposited.

As a rule, the disease affects both breasts at the same time.

There are three types of gynecomastia: - true - hypertrophy of glandular tissue; - false (lipomastia) - breast growth due to a large number of fat cells, observed in obese men;

- mixed - a combination of the two previous forms, sometimes with a predominance of the glandular or fatty component.

Causes

The main cause of male mastopathy is a malfunction of the hormonal system, which can be caused by:

- tumors of the pituitary gland and adrenal glands (produce too much estrogen); - severe liver damage (does not have time to destroy estrogens); - any pathologies of the testicles;

- improper functioning of the thyroid gland;

- obesity, diabetes;

- hereditary testicular feminization, when a boy physically develops according to the female type.

Among the external factors that provoke gynecomastia, we can highlight: - the use of certain medications (both hormonal and non-hormonal); — taking supplements to accelerate muscle mass gain (can cause false mastopathy);

- excess phytoestrogens coming from food; they are found in beer, yeast, soy and some other products.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Most often, men with mastopathy experience the following symptoms: - chest pain, especially in the nipple area when touched; - discharge from the glands (white, mucous or purulent).
In addition, one or both breasts noticeably increase in size, and lumps with clear boundaries can be felt under the nipples. Sometimes the axillary lymph nodes become inflamed. If at least one of these signs is observed, a man should consult a mammologist. In the future, consultation with an endocrinologist, urologist or oncologist may be required. For diagnostic purposes, the doctor palpates the glands, collects anamnesis and refers the patient to: - laboratory tests to determine the level of sex hormones; - mammography and ultrasound; - biopsy to exclude oncology;

— MRI or CT scan of the adrenal glands, brain and organs of the reproductive system.

Treatment

The choice of treatment tactics for gynecomastia depends on the clinical picture. At the initial stage of the disease, when there are no clear compactions yet, conservative therapy is carried out, which consists of taking hormonal drugs that normalize the balance of estrogens and androgens.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain. In addition, it is necessary to treat the disease that provoked mastopathy.

If a benign tumor has already formed, it is removed under local or general anesthesia, depending on its size.

Treatment and types of mastopathy

In addition to treatment, it is very important for men with mastopathy to normalize their lifestyle - stop drinking beer, soy and other products with phytoestrogens, control weight and exercise without resorting to supplements.

Gynecomastia is characterized by benign pathological changes in the male mammary gland. This disease is considered rare and not very dangerous, but it can signal serious problems in the body.

Therefore, every man should monitor the condition of his breasts and consult a doctor at the first alarming signs.

Source: https://mabusten.com/mastopatiya_u_mujchin/49.html

Breast mastopathy in men: symptoms and treatment

Male mastopathy is 10 times more likely to develop into cancer than in cases of female diseases.

Ignorance of the symptoms of gynecomastia leads to the fact that almost half of cancer patients among the male population are admitted for treatment with an already inoperable form of breast cancer.

This disease is not uncommon, but it can occur hidden, without going beyond the symptoms of the first stage, so most men simply do not pay attention to the problem.

Causes of mastopathy in men

In men, gynecomastia comes in two types: false and true. In false cases, only adipose tissue grows. With true male mastopathy, connective or glandular tissue grows. During adolescence, breast tissue is also exposed to sex hormones, but then the process stops and the components of the mammary gland undergo reverse development - involution. In men, the mammary gland is not developed and is a vestigial organ. Nevertheless, all types of tissues are present in it and can begin to grow.

When the pituitary gland malfunctions, serious disruptions in the functioning of the body occur.

If the problem began in young people aged 13 to 18 years, the cause is a serious disorder in the body:

Impaired liver function and insufficient destruction of estrogen.
Malfunction of the pituitary gland and excess prolactin.
Pituitary tumor.
Adrenal tumors.
Problems with the thyroid or pancreas.

Young people who participate in strength sports sometimes take testosterone to improve endurance. This leads to the fact that they produce less of their own male hormone. After stopping the use of synthetic testosterone, female sex hormones begin to dominate.

Men who drink a lot of beer saturate their bodies with phytoestrogens. They are contained in hop cones - the higher the quality of the drink, the greater the likelihood of developing gynecomastia.

For example: women produce approximately 0.3 mg of estrogen per day, and a liter of beer contains 0.1 mg, so 3 liters per day is enough to get a female dose of hormones.

Many people drink more than 3 liters of intoxicating drink.

Treatment of mastopathy in older men is often problematic due to liver failure - cirrhosis. In this case, the cells of the liver parenchyma do not perform their functions - to destroy estrogen and remove it from the body.

Symptoms and first signs

With gynecomastia, bloody discharge from the breast is possible

Symptoms of breast mastopathy in men are especially pronounced if the patient is not overweight. The very first sign that causes concern is the growth of the mammary glands according to the female type. Besides:

With male mastopathy, lumps form in the tissues, which can be felt independently.
Possible enlarged lymph nodes. This is a dangerous symptom that may be a sign of a cancerous tumor with metastases.
Pain is caused by the action of estrogen, which stimulates the growth of the glandular and fibrous component of the breast.
Discharge of fluid from the nipples. This occurs under the influence of prolactin, therefore, dysfunction of the pituitary gland occurs.

It is worth paying attention if only one mammary gland in a man grows. This is an unfavorable sign that requires urgent diagnosis and biopsy.

Mastopathy adversely affects the psyche of men who discover female breasts and discharge from them. They are embarrassed to appear on the beach, in the bathhouse, or in the pool. Many people turn to surgeons for help, but the first thing to do is to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis.

Diagnostics

To diagnose the disorder, it is necessary to take tests for sex hormones

To determine the type of gynecomastia, it is necessary to take tests for sex hormones - female and male. Based on the results, it will be possible to choose a treatment method. If male and female hormones are normal and subcutaneous fat tissue is growing, it is enough to change the way you eat.

In case of endocrine dysfunction, it is necessary to do an MRI of the brain, ultrasound of the adrenal glands and pancreas, and blood tests for thyroid hormones.

If cancer is suspected, when there are painful axillary lymph nodes, a tumor biopsy is needed for histological examination of the cells and to exclude malignant degeneration of mastopathy.

After collecting all the data, the doctor will determine a treatment regimen. Perhaps this will be surgical removal of overgrown breast tissue and subsequent hormonal correction.

Treatment is provided by doctors of several specialties - mammologists, oncologists, endocrinologists, andrologists and urologists. You can contact anyone who receives you at a medical institution.

Treatment methods

Therapy is selected individually, depending on test results, the patient’s age, and the presence or absence of concomitant pathologies.

Nutrition

It is necessary to completely avoid drinks containing hops

If a man is found to have an increased level of female hormones, while male hormones are within normal limits, it is necessary to change the way he eats:

Completely eliminate alcohol and hop-based drinks. Even non-alcoholic beer contains phytoestrogens.
Remove sweets and starchy foods from your diet. Yeast bread also contains phytoestrogens, so its amount is reduced.
Avoid fatty foods, which lead to an increase in subcutaneous fat and are also capable of synthesizing estrogen.
Chicken that has been raised on chemical hormones should not be eaten even after several boils.
Reduce the amount of red meat.

For some time it is recommended to adhere to a low-calorie vegetable diet - boil, stew or bake foods. Chicken meat can only be consumed at home. It is allowed to eat turkey, rabbit, and lamb.

Cabbage is a vegetable that can remove estrogen from the body, so it is often applied to a woman’s mammary gland to cure mastopathy. You can eat cabbage in any form, but it is better raw. Broccoli is also a cabbage plant - the vegetable is rich in vitamin A, which reduces estrogen synthesis.

Medications

Drug therapy includes taking antiestrogens and androgens. If you need to relieve inflammation or pain, general anti-inflammatory drugs are used.

Folk remedies

Elderberry tincture is used as a folk remedy.

Treatment of mastopathy in men with folk remedies includes:

Applying a fresh burdock or cabbage leaf. The mammary gland is first lubricated with honey.
Elderberry tincture helps.
An ointment made from garlic and vegetable oil relieves inflammation and relieves pain.

It is recommended to use traditional methods in parallel with drug treatment.

Surgical intervention

Surgical removal of the mammary gland is indicated for fibrous tumors, if there are nodes, as well as for high risk of malignant tumors, especially if there is a hereditary predisposition.

The cancer gene can be transmitted through both the female and male lines.

A malignant tumor with metastases is an indication for complete removal of breast tissue, followed by additional radiation and chemotherapy.

Source: https://NogoStop.ru/grud/chto-takoe-muzhskaya-mastopatiya-i-kak-ee-lechit.html

Mastopathy in men: causes, symptoms, treatment

Mastopathy is changes in breast tissue similar to fibrocystic transformation. Mastopathy in men is called gynecomastia. This condition is quite rare in males, but it causes a lot of trouble.

Causes of lumps in the mammary glands in men

In childhood, the mammary glands of boys and girls have the same structure.

But during puberty, due to the action of estrogens, gestagens and prolactin on the glandular tissue, the mammary glands in girls increase. In boys they practically do not change.

Therefore, changes in hormonal status during puberty or at a more mature age lead to the development of gynecomastia in men.

Breast mastopathy in men can develop against the background of the following pathologies:

Violation of hormonal status, with an increase in estrogens and gestagens.
Liver and kidney diseases.
Thyroid diseases and hyperprolactinemia.
Genetic diseases (Klinefelter syndrome).
Taking certain medications (antidepressants, drugs, anabolics, antiandrogens, chemotherapy,).
Formations of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland (for example, pituitary cyst).

Identifying the cause of the disease is the main task of the doctor, since treatment should be carried out comprehensively, taking into account concomitant diseases.

Disease of the excretory system (kidneys) causes chronic intoxication in the body. Metabolic products are not excreted from the body, but continue to circulate in the blood and inhibit testosterone synthesis, which provokes relative hyperestrogenism.

Similar changes in the body occur with liver pathology. Firstly, hormones are not completely utilized by the liver, and secondly, liver enzymes are activated, which can convert androgens into estrogens. This again causes low testosterone levels in the blood and increased estrogen levels.

What drugs affect glandular tissue

Gynecomastia can be a negative effect after taking certain medications that are used to treat somatic diseases:

Spironolactone is a diuretic with antiandrogenic action;
drugs to reduce gastric secretion - histamine H2 receptor blockers;
antihypertensive calcium channel blockers;
antiretroviral therapy (ARV) for HIV infection;
after cardiac glycosides for heart failure (for example, Digoxin).

Treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy with folk remedies

What are the symptoms of the disease

With mastopathy in men, the following symptoms are observed:

glandular tissue grows in the mammary gland and its volume increases;
pain appears when palpating the breast;
discharge from the mammary glands - milk, blood, ichor or other liquid;
swelling and pain around the nipples;
changes in areola pigmentation;
asymmetry of the mammary glands;
upon palpation - compaction in the chest in men or the appearance of round formations;
discomfort in the pectoral muscles.

The main sign of mastopathy is a visual enlargement of the mammary glands and the area under the nipple. In very rare cases, other symptoms of the disease (pain, nipple discharge) may appear without an increase in gland tissue.

Asymmetry of the glands should alert a man, since such a symptom is more characteristic of an oncological process.

In addition, during examination, specialists pay special attention to the amount of fatty tissue in the abdomen and thighs. The figure in men with this pathology can gradually change and become more reminiscent of a woman’s.

Mastopathy in men may not produce any symptoms for a long time, and it can only be determined by self-examination (palpation).

Identifying the cause of the disease is the main task of the attending physician. Specialists who take part in the examination and treatment of mastopathy in men are an endocrinologist, urologist, surgeon, and therapist.

Do you use folk remedies?

Survey

The symptoms and treatment of mastopathy are closely related. Therefore, only a comprehensive examination will help in making a diagnosis.

Lab tests:

general blood and urine analysis;
blood chemistry;
hormonal profile of the thyroid gland, male and female sex hormones.

Instrumental examination:

ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the mammary glands;
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in men;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys, thyroid gland;
mammography;
if necessary, puncture;

Therapeutic measures

How to treat mastopathy depends on the causes of the disease, since male mastopathy is not an independent disease.
If a breast disease occurs against the background of thyrotoxicosis (or hyperthyroidism - a condition in which the body contains too much thyroid hormone) or hyperprolactemia, then first of all, an endocrinologist should treat these diseases.
If the cause of gynecomastia is hypogonadism (testicular insufficiency, accompanied by a decrease in the level of sex hormones), then hormone replacement therapy with testosterone is prescribed.

To rule out cancer, you need to consult an oncologist.

First of all, treatment begins with lifestyle changes:

exclude difficult working conditions and stressful situations;
a diet is prescribed excluding fatty foods;
completely exclude beer and beer drinks (they contain phytoestrogens).

For the drug treatment of mastopathy, the following groups of drugs are used:

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – relieve inflammation in the mammary gland and reduce pain;
metabolic therapy;
hormonal therapy.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is recommended for fibrocystic mastopathy if the disease cannot be stopped with medication.

It is recommended to undergo a mastectomy if gynecomastia (a lump in the mammary gland in a man) lasts for more than a year - in this case, the glandular tissue is susceptible to scarring.

In addition, you should adhere to some recommendations during the treatment process - do not injure this area, avoid thermal procedures, and direct solar radiation. Do not massage the area of compaction.

Disease prevention

Prevention of the disease includes following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular moderate physical activity, limiting beer consumption, and avoiding stress.

In addition, any enlargement of the mammary gland or discomfort in its area should alert a man and force him to see a doctor.

Mastopathy in men has a favorable outcome if you seek medical help in a timely manner.

Source: https://ikista.ru/grud/mastopatiya-u-muzhchin.html

What is male mastopathy? Features of the course and treatment of male mastopathy

The article will tell you in detail about the causes and methods of treating mastopathy in men.

It is not correct to believe that mastopathy is a purely female disease. Men are also susceptible to it, although much less frequently. Without expecting such a disease, a man can develop mastopathy, which can turn into a malignant tumor. To prevent this from happening, you need to know about the causes and symptoms of mastopathy in men.

According to doctors, this disease most often occurs in older people. However, you need to monitor your health and not be afraid to see a doctor at any age. In addition, mastopathy in men is treated much faster than in women.

Why does male mastopathy occur: causes of mastopathy in men

Mastopathy in men manifests itself in thickening of the breast tissue. The main cause of mastopathy is an increase in female hormones in the body. They are the ones who provoke the development of foreign tissue in the breast, enlargement and hardening of the mammary glands. The main reasons for increased female hormones in men are:

Tumor of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland. As a result, the glands do not produce the correct set of hormones.
Liver diseases. The liver simply cannot cope with the processing of female hormones (estrogens), which is why they remain in excess quantities in the body
Use of hormonal medications that may disrupt hormonal balance
Excessive consumption of foods that contain female hormones. This applies to beer lovers who consume this product regularly. It is known that beer supplies the body with substances that provoke the production of female hormones

Symptoms and features of male mastopathy

It is not difficult to detect mastopathy, even at an early stage. This disease has severe symptoms.

Lumps form in the chest, which can be felt when touched. Such seals have a clearly defined boundary and can be of different sizes
New growths come in different sizes. There may be one nodule or several. You need to pay attention, even to a small affected area
Sometimes colorless discharge from the nipples is noticed
Breast sensitivity increases, pain may occur when touching hardened areas
The mammary glands increase in size
If neoplasms appear on only one mammary gland, an asymmetrical breast size is noticeable
In the armpits, the lymph nodes are often inflamed

Diagnosis of mastopathy. Which doctor should you contact for male mastopathy?

One of the reasons why mastopathy in men is more severe is the man’s fear or reluctance to see a doctor. Many representatives of the stronger sex are simply embarrassed about breast diseases
But you shouldn’t delay your visit to the doctor. Mastopathy is closely related to breast cancer. Only an experienced specialist will be able to prescribe competent treatment and prevent complications. In the early stages, mastopathy can be cured without surgery
If mastopathy is suspected, a man can contact an endocrinologist, urologist or oncologist. Any of these doctors will be able to identify the presence of mastopathy and conduct a diagnosis
The first stage of diagnosis is to identify the stage at which the disease is located.

There are three stages of development of this disease:

Developmental stage that lasts up to 4 months. At this stage, the neoplasm is small in size, enlargement of the mammary gland is not observed
Intermediate stage, which lasts up to 1 year. At this time, the mammary glands begin to enlarge and pain occurs.
The last stage is fibrotic, in which the mammary gland becomes significantly enlarged. This stage can only be overcome through surgery.
To find out the stage of mastopathy, the doctor prescribes a series of tests, mammography and ultrasound of the gland. After receiving all the results, treatment may be prescribed

Nodular mastopathy in men

Nodular mastopathy has externally the same symptoms as breast cancer. When you consult a doctor, a biopsy may be prescribed, which will accurately determine the nature of the compacted tissue. If no cancer cells are found, then this is mastopathy, which can be cured with medication.

Why does mastopathy occur in older men?

The causes of mastopathy in older men are the same as in younger men. An increase in female hormones in old age is caused by improper functioning of the endocrine system.

Also, an increase in estrogen may be associated with the use of hormonal drugs to treat other diseases. An elderly body is more susceptible to the development of foreign tumors. That is why mastopathy occurs more often in older men.

Drug treatment of mastopathy in men

The first two stages of mastopathy can be cured with medication. To do this, the causes of neoplasms in the mammary gland must be eliminated.

In order to stop inflammatory processes in the mammary gland, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs. They relieve swelling and reduce pain
The next stage is the use of antibiotics that fight inflammation.
The doctor eliminates the cause of the hormone imbalance. Drugs that reduce the production of female hormones may be prescribed.
A special diet is prescribed
The areas of the breast where the tumors are located should be touched, massaged and warmed as little as possible.

At an advanced stage of mastopathy, the doctor prescribes surgical intervention. All instructions must be followed, otherwise mastopathy can easily transform into breast cancer.

Removal of mastopathy in men

Removal of tumors in the breast is called a lumpectomy. In this case, the affected tissue is removed from the mammary gland. During surgery, pain and discomfort are felt for several weeks. Painkillers are prescribed.

After the breasts have healed, it is recommended to wear a special support vest for several weeks. One of the stages of treatment is the use of medications that cope with the cause of mastopathy. Also, a man must follow the prescribed diet so that the disease does not recur.

How to treat male mastopathy using traditional methods?

If you comprehensively use the remedies prescribed by your doctor and traditional methods of treatment, you can quickly cope with mastopathy.

Compresses. The most effective way to treat mastopathy is the use of absorbable compresses. They cope with pain, swelling and destroy tumors. The easiest option is to use fresh cabbage leaves. It needs to be generously smeared with honey, applied to the mammary gland and fixed. You need to keep this compress all night. As a compress, you can use burdock leaf. Another good remedy for mastopathy is saline solution. It is necessary to prepare a solution at the rate of 1 tablespoon of salt per glass of water. Then, soak a piece of cloth in it and apply a compress to the affected area.
Ointments made from natural ingredients. There are several effective ointment recipes that will help overcome mastopathy. One of the most popular is garlic ointment. To prepare it, 100 grams of garlic are crushed, mixed with vegetable oil and used for treatment. Also, effective components are castor oil and celandine. You can also prepare medicinal ointments from these ingredients.
Use of medicinal tinctures. Burdock leaf juice is the most effective remedy. To treat mastopathy, you need to consume it three times a day, a tablespoon. Another good natural remedy is elderberries. They can be consumed with both sugar and honey.

Before using traditional methods of treatment, you should consult your doctor.

How to eat for men with mastopathy?

Nutrition is the most important factor that affects the health of the entire body. Therefore, if mastopathy occurs, you need to adjust your diet.

Quitting beer. You can't drink non-alcoholic beer either. Because it is hops, which is present in any beer, that provokes the development of mastopathy
Refusal of junk food: mayonnaise, fast food, chips and carbonated drinks. These foods contain many chemicals that complicate the process of treating the disease.
Eating foods rich in B vitamins (liver, eggs, nuts, milk)

It is recommended to follow the diet not only during treatment, but also after overcoming the disease. If you eat improperly, mastopathy may return.

Treatment of mastopathy in men: tips and reviews

There are many resources on the Internet where men share their experiences in dealing with mastopathy.

“I discovered an unknown lump in my chest and turned to my wife for advice. She said it could be mastopathy. Therefore, we went together to a mammologist. It really turned out to be mastopathy. I don’t even know the reasons, because... no increase in hormones was detected. In general, I cured the disease with the prescribed medications.”, Oleg, 34 years old
“I was always overweight and drank a lot of beer. Therefore, I did not immediately see signs of the disease. Only after my chest began to hurt did I go to the doctor. They had an operation. Now, I try to follow a diet and not drink beer,” Evgeniy, 46 years old
“My husband developed tumors in his chest area. They were very afraid that it was not cancer. It turned out that it was mastopathy. I didn’t even expect that it also occurs in men,” Anna, 51 years old.

Mastopathy is a serious disease that cannot be ignored. Mastopathy in the early stages is quite easy to cure.