In addition to the physical examination including palpation, we also perform MRI examinations at a third-party institution for patients who come to our clinic complaining of symptoms such as gynecomastia. Palpation alone may not tell whether gynecomastia-like breast ridges are due to a subareolar mass, a fibrous component, or fat buildup. An MRI scan will tell you these things fairly accurately and can be diagnosed by an independent radiologist.
If the MRI results show true gynecomastia, treatment is possible within the scope of the Japanese national insurance coverage. Conversely, if a diagnosis of pseudogynecomastia is made due to findings such as a large amount of adipose tissue, adipose tissue aspiration is indicated instead of resection, which is a free practice (no insurance coverage).
Next, even if the tumor is removed by subareolar incision in insurance medical treatment, at our clinic, by removing the surrounding adipose tissue to some extent at the same time, a steep step with the excised part of the tumor is eliminated, and more complete hemostasis is performed. We believe that we can get the better results this way. This method is also commonly done in the United States.
At our clinic, in cases where surgical treatment is performed under the diagnosis of gynecomastia, the excised tissue is submitted to an external pathological examination, and the pathological diagnosis report is given to the patient.
Diagnosis and treatment of gynecomastia requires a scientific approach tailored to each individual patient, and our clinic diagnoses and treats with the above protocol.