Gynecomastia is a condition in which males develop enlarged breasts. Often reversible, gynecomastia may still need to be evaluated with a mammogram (X-ray of the breast area). Digital mammograms, which offer higher resolution, extremely detailed imaging allow for specific manipulation, such as lightening or darkening, zooming in or adding contrast for better visibility by the radiologist.
More About Digital Mammograms and Gynecomastia in Men
Gynecomastia can be caused by fluctuations in hormones, certain medications, excess fatty tissue deposits in the breast area due to obesity (called pseudogynecomastia), or other issues such as testicular cancer. Gynecomastia can cause discomfort, making breast tissue sore or tender to the touch. Gynecomastia can slightly raise the risk of male breast cancer, although this is rare. Although it can occur in only one breast, gynecomastia typically presents in both breasts. Most cases do not cause long term medical issues.
Digital mammograms are extremely intricate when it comes to the amount of detail you can get. They can detect the characteristics of many forms of breast disease, including cancer in both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly one out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. While male breast cancer is much, much less common (and not usually associated with gynecomastia), breast cancer does occur in men. The odds that a man will develop breast cancer are about 1 in every 1000 males.
Many men ignore symptoms of breast cancer, such as a lump or thickening in the breast because they may not be aware of the risk. Diagnostic digital mammograms can help to evaluate suspicious breast tissue. Diagnostic digital mammograms may be recommended for both men and women if they have symptoms such as:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm
- An unusual discharge from one or both nipples
- Skin or changes such as dimpling, thickening or redness
- Changes in the breast shape or size
Digital mammograms offer benefits such as:
- Improved patient comfort
- Reduced radiation exposure
- Faster screening and imaging (patients do not have to remain still as long)
- Higher resolution and the ability to manipulate images for resolution, orientation, brightness, and contrast
- Faster sharing and access to images for medical team members
If you, or a loved one has gynecomastia, needs a digital mammogram, or any other imaging services, or if you would like to schedule an appointment for a digital mammogram, please call 561 795 5558 today, or make an appointment online that might very well save your life. Our board-certified radiologists are right here waiting in the Wellington, Lake Worth, Belle Glade, or Royal Palm Beach areas.
