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Obesity and male breast enlargement: How to distinguish true breast tissue hyperplasia
In modern society, the phenomenon of male breast swelling has received more and more attention. This condition, medically known as gynecomastia, is usually not cancerous but is instead an overgrowth of breast tissue caused by a hormonal imbalance. Swelling can occur in one or both breasts and is associated with a variety of factors, including obesity, age, hormonal changes, and more.
"Although gynecomastia itself is benign, it often causes psychological distress and social stigma."
Definition of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a noncancerous growth on one or both breasts in men, caused primarily by an imbalance between the hormones estrogen and androgen. This is different from "pseudomasthenia," which is usually associated with obesity and refers to excess fat or skin around the breasts without any proliferation of actual breast tissue.
Symptoms and signs of male breast disease
The most obvious feature of gynecomastia is breast hyperplasia. It is common to feel a soft, compressible lump under the skin in and around the nipple. The condition may be accompanied by tenderness or sensitivity in the breasts, especially during the teenage years of development.
“Studies show that gynecomastia can lead to physical and mental health challenges in adolescents, including anxiety, depression and self-image issues.”
Causes of Male Breast Disease
The causes of male mastectomy can be divided into physiological and non-physiological. Physiologic mastopathy can occur during three stages of growth, including postnatal development, adolescence, and old age. Nonphysiological breast disease is usually related to medication use, chronic diseases or tumors.
Physiological reasons:
- About 60-90% of newborn boys will develop breast development due to the influence of maternal estrogen, but it usually disappears on its own within a few weeks. - Teenagers may develop breast cancer due to hormone imbalance, especially between the ages of 10 and 14. 75% of cases will recover on their own within 1-3 years. - In the elderly, due to the decrease in testosterone levels and the increase in body fat, the ratio of estrogen to androgen may become unbalanced.
Non-physiological causes:
Causes of increased serum estrogen may include drug use, tumors, chronic diseases, etc. Certain medications, such as antibiotics and anesthetics, have been linked to gynecomastia. Regular alcohol consumption can also lead to this condition due to liver dysfunction.
Diagnosing Male Breast Disease
Diagnosing gynecomastia usually begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, supplemented by laboratory tests to confirm underlying problems such as hormonal imbalances or tumors.
The association between male breast disease and obesity
Obese men are more likely to develop breast cancer. Studies have shown that increased estrogen levels in the body caused by obesity may be one of the main factors leading to male breast disease. The adipose tissue of obese people plays an important role in the conversion of androgens and the production of estrogens. Therefore, maintaining a normal body weight is essential to reducing the risk of gynecomastia.
"Management of male breast disease may require a combination of diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medical intervention."
Psychological and social challenges
Gynecomastia not only affects men physically, but also causes bullying and shame on their mental health. Many men experience anxiety about the appearance of their breasts, which can make them feel less confident in social situations.
ConclusionGynecomastia is a complex medical phenomenon involving multiple physiological and social factors. Although it may be harmless, it has the potential to cause psychological distress to the individual. When facing male mastitis, we should think about: How can we better recognize and understand this phenomenon to help more people get out of the psychological haze and achieve improvement?
