Can Gynecomastia Turn Into Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in India. However, it is important to note that this remains high among women. In men, the most common breast-related condition is gynecomastia or male breasts. Gynecomastia happens when breast tissue develops due to an adolescent hormonal imbalance, resembling female breasts. Hence, it is only natural that many men ask, “Can gynecomastia turn into cancer?”

The good news is that gynecomastia does not turn into cancer. Breast cancer happens when the cells in the breast tissue multiply at an abnormal rate. This results in a tumour, which is called cancer when malignant. However, gynecomastia itself is usually non-cancerous and harmless.

Can cancer cause gynecomastia?

While we have answered the question, “Can gynecomastia turn into cancer?” an equally pressing question is if cancer can cause gynecomastia. More precisely, can gynecomastia in adulthood signal some more insidious underlying cause?

Most adult men have gynecomastia due to an adolescent hormone imbalance. However, it is also possible to get gynecomastia due to the same hormone imbalance in adulthood. While this may be harmless and part of the natural ageing process, you should always get it checked, just in case.

Certain medications for ulcers, benign prostate problems, heart conditions and prostate cancer may cause gynecomastia. Additionally, health complications like obesity, testicular tumours or failure, and pituitary gland disorders can result in the condition. Suffice to say, anything that affects your natural hormone balance can cause gynecomastia. If this happens, you can opt for gynecomastia surgery to remove the excess gland and tissue.

What does gynecomastia treatment entail?

Today, gynecomastia treatment is a minimally invasive procedure with a comfortable, speedy recovery. The latest liposuction technology available today – MicroAire and VASER – break up and suction out the excess breast tissue. Being an ultrasound-assisted device, VASER also emits heat that makes the chest skin naturally shrink over the new contours.

Combining this with an incision of 3-4mm placed on the side of the chest further improves results and minimises recovery time. The resulting scar stays hidden on the side while fading very well and becoming entirely inconspicuous.

The RG Community, run by Dr Rajat Gupta, is dedicated to spreading accurate knowledge about gynecomastia and telling men they are not alone. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Delhi, Dr Gupta has witnessed the misinformation surrounding the condition and its treatment first-hand and works to ensure this is entirely eradicated.