Breast enlargement in men, could be symptom of cancer, liver damage - experts

A consultant General Surgeon at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Professor Olayide Agodirin, has said that breast enlargements in men, is medically known as gynecomastia, may be an indication of damage to the liver or testicles, medical experts say.

They also attributed it to an imbalance in body hormones – testosterone and estrogen and urged men to always pay attention to their breasts to notice when it starts becoming bigger than normal.

Cleveland Clinic, an online health portal, noted that gynecomastia can often be due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen hormones and that certain medications or diseases can cause male breast tissue to swell and get bigger.

a consultant General Surgeon at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Professor Olayide Agodirin, said enlarged breasts in males can either be physiological or pathological – gynecomastia

He, however, said it can be dangerous when the cause is gynecomastia.

The expert noted that boys may have enlarged breasts when attaining puberty but that it often subsides once puberty is over.

The professor added that an imbalance or a change in the normal hormone ratio can also lead to men developing enlarged breasts.

The general surgeon further explained that pathologic gynecomastia can also be related to such hormonal changes.

According to him, enlarged breasts may be an indication that the organ that produces testosterone in men, which is the testicle, may have a problem.

The problem may be from a younger age due to worm infestation and this can also affect the testis, such that it cannot produce enough hormones.

PUNCH