MORE ABOUT GYNECOMASTIA IN BOYS
Signs and symptoms
The development of breasts is obvious except when the boy tries to hide gynaecomastia out of embarrassment. If this happens, the parents may not be aware of the problem.
Home care
It is very important to be understanding and to reassure the child that the condition will disappear. In more obvious cases, the boy may need to be excused from activities in physical education that require undressing or showering with other boys.
• Ninety-eight percent of all cases of gynaecomastia are normal and will disappear on their own. • Your doctor should examine your boy if the condition persists.
• Take steps to insure that the boy is not subjected to taunting by other children.
Medical treatment
Your doctor will examine your boy carefully. The doctor will check for the presence or absence of true breast tissue; check the coloration of areolae (nipples); and examine the boy’s abdomen, testes, and body hair. The doctor will consider whether any drugs or foods could be causing the problem. If other causes of the condition are ruled out, the doctor can usually only recommend that you patiently support and counsel the child. Hormonal studies or chromosome studies are rarely needed. In severe or prolonged cases, plastic surgery can remove the extra breast tissue without visible scarring.
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