A SPECTRUM OF DISEASE IN MALE BREAST: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF 22 CASES

Background: Male breast diseases are uncommon and underreported compared to females. The spectrum ranges from benign conditions like gynecomastia to malignant lesions. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial. Methods: This observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh, India, between June 2020 and May 2025. Twenty-two male patients presenting with breast symptoms were evaluated for clinical features, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies. Of the 22 patients, 17 (77.3%) were diagn Results: osed as gynecomastia, 2 (9.1%) had mastitis and 1 (4.5%) case each of subareolar abscess, lipoma, and breast carcinoma. All patients presented with breast swelling, and 15 patients (71.4%) reported pain. Galactorrhea was observed in 1 case of gynecomastia. Risk factors included obesity (45.5%), medication usage and/or alcohol abuse (27.3%), and diabetes (18.2%). Management strategies included conservative and surgical approaches for gynecomastia, antibiotic therapy for mastitis, drainage for the abscess, excision for lipoma, and MRM with adjuvant therapy for carcinoma. Conclusion: Gynecomastia is the predominant male breast condition, commonly associated with modifiable risk factors. Awareness and timely diagnosis in male breast disease are essential, especially in malignancies, which require a multidisciplinary approach.