Gynecomastia involves enlargement of which tissue in males?

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Multiple Choice

Gynecomastia involves enlargement of which tissue in males?

Gynecomastia is a true enlargement of the breast tissue in males due to proliferation of glandular tissue, specifically the ductal elements beneath the nipple-areolar complex. This happens when there’s an imbalance of hormones, such as relatively higher estrogen activity or lower testosterone, prompting expansion of the glandular component. It’s important to distinguish this from fat buildup, which can also make the chest appear larger. That scenario is often called pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia and involves adipose tissue rather than true glandular proliferation. Muscle enlargement or skin changes aren’t the primary drivers of gynecomastia. So the tissue that enlarges in gynecomastia is the ductal/glandular tissue of the breast.

Gynecomastia is a true enlargement of the breast tissue in males due to proliferation of glandular tissue, specifically the ductal elements beneath the nipple-areolar complex. This happens when there’s an imbalance of hormones, such as relatively higher estrogen activity or lower testosterone, prompting expansion of the glandular component.

It’s important to distinguish this from fat buildup, which can also make the chest appear larger. That scenario is often called pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia and involves adipose tissue rather than true glandular proliferation. Muscle enlargement or skin changes aren’t the primary drivers of gynecomastia. So the tissue that enlarges in gynecomastia is the ductal/glandular tissue of the breast.

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