Abstract
Gynecomastia is defined as excessive development of the breast in boys. It is common in neonates and adolescents. Although in most cases this is a transient phenomenon, it might lead to significant social impediments such as decreased participation in physical education because of embarrassment. A primary care provider should be able to diagnose a false gynecomastia, a physiologic gynecomastia, and a gynecomastia with underlying pathology by taking good history, performing a thorough physical examination, and checking few screening laboratory tests. In most cases with physiologic gynecomastia, just reassurance and close follow-up is sufficient; however, psychologic counseling and surgical intervention may be required in few selected cases of physiologic gynecomastia. Suspected cases with underlying pathologic causes should be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist for further evaluation and management. Treatment of underlying causes should resolve the gynecomastia in those patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 487-490 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Clinical Pediatrics |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Breasts
- Gynecomastia
- Puberty
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health