Question: My husband is 85 years old and occasionally complains of pain in both breasts, which seem enlarged. What could be the reason?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Breast enlargement (gynecomastia) in a male should not be ignored. Some drugs are known to cause this, including Tagamet, digitalis, calcium channel blockers, theophylline, reserpine, spironolactone, estrogens, antifungal meds, anti-tumor medications, anti-TB medications, anabolic steroids — even marijuana! While breast enlargement is common and usually normal in younger males during puberty, it may also occur in old age, and may even be one sided.
This is rarely confused with cancer which is asymmetric, firm and usually not tender. Various disorders especially liver (hepatic) and kidney (renal) disease or failure, as well as endocrine (hormonal imbalance) conditions are associated with gynecomastia and deserve to be evaluated by your doctor.