What is the difference between gynecomastia and breast cancer

For instance, men who have gynecomastia almost always exhibit swelling in both of their breasts. Whereas men who have breast cancer, typically only find a lump or swelling in one of their breasts. However, with all things, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your mother has or had breast cancer or if you have a family history of this disease, you can get genetic testing done to see if you also inherited this gene.

Gynecomastia, on the other hand, may or may not be genetic. Studies point to the fact that this condition is primarily caused by hormonal changes in the body— some of which may be genetic but most of which are not. Do you have a past involving the use of steroids for bodybuilding? Treatment for gynecomastia depends on the cause. Drugs are available to treat gynecomastia but surgery might be needed in long-standing cases.

Close monitoring is needed post treatment for recurrence in case of breast cancer. Prognosis for gynecomastia is very good. Breast cancer prognosis depends on stage and type of cancer. In general, if detected early, the prognosis is better. Gynecomastia is a harmless swelling of breast tissue in males that commonly occurs in newborns and during puberty as well. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women although rarely in men.

It is a malignant transformation of breast tissue and may be fatal if left untreated. Gynecomastia can occur due to medications and returns to normal on withdrawal of the offending medication. Medical treatment is available for gynecomastia. Breast cancer must be detected early and treated immediately for better outcomes. A lump, discharge, pain, skin changes should prompt immediate attention by a qualified specialist. Gynecomastia is common among teenage boys because the balance of hormones in the body changes during adolescence.

It is also common in older men due to changes in their hormone balance. In rare cases, gynecomastia occurs because tumors or diseases of certain endocrine hormone-producing glands cause a man's body to make more estrogen the main female hormone. Men's glands normally make some estrogen, but not enough to cause breast growth.

Diseases of the liver, which is an important organ in male and female hormone metabolism, can change a man's hormone balance and lead to gynecomastia. Obesity being extremely overweight can also cause higher levels of estrogen in men. Some medicines can cause gynecomastia. These include some drugs used to treat ulcers and heartburn, high blood pressure, heart failure, and psychiatric conditions.

Men with gynecomastia should ask their doctors if any medicines they are taking might be causing this condition. Klinefelter syndrome, a rare genetic condition, can lead to gynecomastia as well as increase a man's risk of developing breast cancer. There are many types of benign breast tumors abnormal lumps or masses of tissue , such as papillomas and fibroadenomas. Benign tumors do not spread outside the breast and are not life threatening.

Benign breast tumors are common in women but are very rare in men. The most common types of breast cancer are ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. Most breast cancers are carcinomas.

It is very rare for breast cancer to be the cause of gynecomastia. Lumps caused by cancer do not form in breast tissue behind the nipple. The lumps also feel different than those caused by gynecomastia. Other signs of breast cancer are dimpling of the skin and bloody discharge from the nipple. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have concerns. Your doctor may notice symptoms during a routine check-up.

Your doctor also may ask about your health history and what medicines you take. The doctor will decide if tests are needed to diagnose gynecomastia. The most common test is a blood test to check your hormone levels.

More tests may be done if your doctor suspects a disease. These can include:. Most cases of gynecomastia cannot be prevented. They are caused by natural changes in hormone levels.

Adults can help prevent gynecomastia by avoiding certain medicines, drugs, and lifestyle factors. In most cases, treatment is not needed. Your doctor may want to check the size of your breast tissue every few months. If treatment is needed, options vary based on the cause of the condition. Talk to your doctor before stopping any prescription medicine to treat other medical conditions.

Stop taking illegal drugs. You may need to make lifestyle changes as well. If it caused by a disease or tumor, you will need to treat the problem. This may include medicine or surgery. Medicine can help to balance your hormones. In rare cases, the doctor may suggest plastic surgery to remove the extra breast tissue. For most newborns and teenage boys, gynecomastia does not last long.