Can men develop breast diseases?
Aug 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Due to endocrine factors, males are born with less developed mammary glands than females; however, males can also develop breast diseases. The most common male breast disorder is gynecomastia—a condition characterized by abnormal development of mammary gland tissue and excessive proliferation of connective tissue in males, resulting from either physiological or pathological causes that primarily disrupt the estrogen-to-androgen ratio.
Breast diseases are commonly considered conditions affecting women; however, during routine physical examinations, a small number of men may be found to have abnormalities in the breast area. So, can men develop breast diseases?
Can men develop breast diseases?
Due to endocrine factors, men are born with less developed mammary glands than women. Nevertheless, men can indeed develop breast diseases. The most common such condition is gynecomastia—a benign enlargement of male breast tissue caused by physiological or pathological factors. Its primary underlying mechanism involves an imbalance between estrogen and androgen levels, leading to abnormal development of mammary glandular tissue and excessive proliferation of connective tissue in males. Gynecomastia accounts for approximately 80–90% of all male breast diseases. Clinically, it typically presents as unilateral or bilateral, painless, progressive breast enlargement—or as a pulsatile mass beneath the areola.
In adolescents, excessive consumption of meat, early-maturing foods, or nutritionally unbalanced diets—along with excessive estrogen intake or obesity—may contribute to the development of breast disease. In older adults, chronic conditions such as liver disease commonly impair estrogen inactivation, resulting in elevated circulating estrogen levels and subsequent breast tissue hyperplasia.
Regular physical exercise helps prevent obesity, while increased intake of fresh vegetables and fruits may help prevent or reduce the risk of breast disease in men. We hope this information has been helpful to you!
