Unilateral gynecomastia: The assessment of 23 patients -

Abstract

Background: Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of breast tissue that occurs especially during adolescence in males and generally requires treatment. Although most of cases are idiopathic and bilateral, there are instances that require spe- cial attention and be given unilateral status. In this study, the aim was to evaluate management of unilateral gynecomastia. Methods: For this study, 23 male patients admitted to the authors’ clinic between 2010 and2013 diagnosed with grade 2A and 2B unilateal gynecomastia were reviewed retrospectively. The patients’ detailed medical history and physical exami- nation notes, laboratory test results, history of medication use and photographs were examined. Mean follow-up time was 13.4 months. Results: 11 patients were treated by strictly gland excision, four patients with only liposuction and eight patients with gland excision combined with liposuction. Gynecomastia was seen on the left side of the chest in 13 patients and on the right side in 10 patients. There were no complications. The specimens did not reveal any malignant causes. Conclusion: Although most cases gynecomastia are idiopathic and bilateral, there are instances that require special at- tention and should be given unilateral status. Detailed evaluation including physical examination, history of drug use and concomitant medical disorders should be considered.