“How to Detect Gynecomastia or Man Boobs?”

If you feel that you have enlarged breasts and worry of them, you may want to perform this simple test.

A genuine gynecomastia has the rubbery tissue extends out symmetrically from the nipple, provided the tissue is larger than 0.5mm in diameter. However, pseudogynecomastia consists of fat tissue which can be tested with thumb and forefinger without any resistance. If there is a mass located further from the nipple and have other symptoms like skin dimpling, nipple retraction or discharge, then it may be a sign of breast cancer.

Doctor will perform more thorough examinations, ie.
• Sign of liver, thyriod or kidney diseases
• Sign of hypogonadism (underdeveloped sex organs)
• Sign of feminization
• Size of testicles and any presence of nodules
• Blood test on various hormone level, ie testosterone, estrogen; serum
• Mammogram

The doctor will also query you on the following items
• Family history of gynecomastia
• Age and duration of gynecomastia
• Abusive use of drug or alcohol or steriod
• Side-effects from current prescription medications, over-the-counter medications

“What is Man Boobs?”

Man boobs, also known as gynecomastia or gynaecomastia is breast enlargement in males due to the development of abnormally big mammary glands. It begins with a small lump beneath the nipple, which can be tender for some cases. Usually the enlargement is bilateral but can also be bilateral for some cases. There are cases which are due to fat deposition only which is termed as pseudogynecomastia. This man boobs problem can happen to any babies, teenagers or adult males.

In babies, gynecomastia problem is caused by hormone estrogen passed from the mothers during pregnancy, which normally will disappear within one month time. 

In teenagers, almost two-thirds of them will experience gynecomastia during their puberty and the good thing is it will also disappear on its own later in life without any treatment. However, some of them may be due to obesity.

In adult, most of the man boobs problems are due imbalance of sex hormones (more female hormone estrogen or lack of male hormone testosterone) and obesity.  There are other possible causes ie. certain prescription of drugs, liver or lung cancer, cancer of adrenal glands, cancer of testicles, steroid, alcohol and marijuana.

Generally, man boobs is not harmful but for some cases, it is a symptom for other serious illnesses. Therefore, it is wise to seek advice from doctor or physician.