What is excessive breast development in men called?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

Gynecomastia is the medical term for the benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue in males.
This condition arises from an imbalance between the hormones estrogen and androgen, specifically a relative excess of estrogen action.
It is distinct from pseudogynecomastia, which is the accumulation of fatty tissue (adipose) in the breasts of overweight men.
Gynecomastia can be physiological (occurring in newborns, during puberty, or in aging) or pathological (due to underlying conditions, medications, or substance use).

Option B: Mastitis is an inflammation or infection of the breast tissue, characterized by signs of infection like redness, warmth, and pain. It is not a developmental enlargement.
Option C: Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition (47,XXY) that is a well-known cause of gynecomastia. It is the underlying disorder, not the name for the breast enlargement itself.
Option D: Tenderness is a symptom, which means pain or discomfort when an area is touched. While the enlarged breast tissue in gynecomastia can be tender, 'tenderness' is not the name of the condition.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Male Reproductive and Endocrine Disorders as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing role is to differentiate benign gynecomastia from male breast cancer. Red flags for cancer include a hard, fixed, non-tender mass, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or ulceration, which require urgent referral.
Nurses should conduct a thorough medication review, as many drugs (e.g., spironolactone, cimetidine, some antipsychotics) can cause gynecomastia.
Provide psychosocial support and ensure privacy during examinations, as gynecomastia can cause significant emotional distress and body image issues, particularly in adolescents.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'excessive breast development in men'.
Define this phrase in your own words: 'enlarged male breasts'.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Gynecomastia directly translates to this condition.
Recognize that other options are either a cause (Klinefelter syndrome), a symptom (Tenderness), or a different condition entirely (Mastitis).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 pp. 1302-1304, 1301-1303

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1020-1022

Practise the full Bihar CHO -2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.