Patient's question:
Main symptoms: My son said today that he has breast tenderness, which he has never mentioned before. I don't know what caused it. Onset time: October 12, 2009. Laboratory test results: NoneDoctor's answer:
Generally, it is a physiological phenomenon during puberty. The male reproductive organs include the testes, epididymal ducts, vas deferens, prostate, penis, and scrotum. Under normal circumstances, before puberty, i.e., during the first 9 to 10 years after birth, the development of male reproductive organs is very slow. Once puberty begins, development accelerates and gradually matures according to the male sexual development program.When boys enter puberty, they may experience breast enlargement, which is not easily retractable but follows a benign course. This is known as physiological gynecomastia. Most cases naturally resolve within 12 to 18 months, and it is generally recommended to have a follow-up examination every 6 months.
However, to confirm physiological gynecomastia, it is first necessary to rule out various causes of pathological gynecomastia. This can be done through a detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and auxiliary tests to exclude various conditions, such as:
① Testicular tumors and feminizing adrenal cortical tumors;
② Testicular dysfunction due to congenital developmental abnormalities, testosterone biosynthetic enzyme defects, or dysfunction caused by infection, chemotherapy, or trauma;
③ Obesity, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Klinefelter syndrome, etc.;
④ Drug-induced male breast development.
Clinically, this condition follows a benign course without complications, but in some cases, it may cause psychological distress.