How Is Gynecomastia Classified?
Print PageIf your gynecomastia has lasted less than four months, then it probably is florid type, meaning the milk ducts increased in number and length, followed by swelling. The breast increased its vascularity and pseudolobules formed.
If your gynecomastia has lasted four to 12 months, then it is probably fibrous type, meaning only the ducts dilated, without the swelling
and fatty deposits.
Gynecomastia may develop again or for the first time when the man reaches 60, usually due to testosterone deficiency, prescription drug use, or a tumor. Water retention (edema), testicular shrinkage (atrophy) and lack of sex drive (libido) may co-occur with the gynecomastia, as a result of increased estrogen.
Your gynecomastia could also be intermediate type, which is a combination of florid and fibrous involvement.
Testosterone treatment in the early stages in gynecomastia often helps to reduce breast growth.
The three classifications of gynecomastia for surgical purposes are:
- Glandular – An overgrowth of mammary gland tissue occurs. Glandular gynecomastia always requires surgical removal.
- Fatty Glandular – An overgrowth of both mammary gland tissue and fatty deposits co-occur. Treatment involves breast reduction surgery and liposuction to contour the chest.
- Simple Fatty – An overgrowth of fat only, with minimal growth of fibrous breast tissue. Treatment is liposuction.