Ultrasonographic classification and surgical treatment of gynecomastia
Objectives: 1. Understanding Gynecomastia Types
2. Diagnostic Role of Ultrasonography
3. Clinical Correlations
4. Surgical Implications
Introduction: Gynecomastia, the most common male breast condition, requires accurate clinical diagnosis, with ultrasonography playing a crucial role in enhancing diagnostic precision and guiding surgical planning. This study categorizes ultrasonographic findings of gynecomastia into three distinct types: nodular, diffuse glandular, and fatty.
Materials / method: The nodular type appears as a hypoechoic or isoechoic mass with a round or dendritic shape located in the retroareolar region. The diffuse glandular type is identified by a hyperechoic mass with an extensive spreading pattern within the same area. Conversely, the fatty type consists solely of adipose tissue without glandular hyperplasia.
Results: We analyzed 100 patients, correlating their ultrasonographic findings with intraoperative observations.
Among them, 88 exhibited nodular-type ultrasonographic patterns, corresponding to soft glandular tissue intraoperatively. Five patients showed diffuse glandular-type ultrasonographic patterns, correlating with firm glandular tissue during surgery. Seven patients initially classified with the fatty type on ultrasonography were confirmed to have breast ductal tissue upon postoperative pathological examination, confirming gynecomastia.
Conclusion: This study highlights the pivotal role of ultrasonography performed by plastic surgeons in precisely diagnosing and effectively planning surgical interventions for gynecomastia.