Gynaecomastia caused by a feminizing adrenal tumour. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gibbons, Stephen M; Jassam, Nuthar; Abbas, Afroze; Stuart, Kevin; Fairhurst, April; Barth, Julian H
• Is Part Of: Annals of clinical biochemistry. Volume 57:Number 1(2020:Jan.)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Endocrinology -- Gynaecomastia -- Adrenal; Clinical chemistry -- Periodicals; Clinical biochemistry -- Periodicals; 616.075
• DOI: 10.1177/0004563219884960
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-5632

Abstract

Gynaecomastia is a common finding which typically appears during puberty in boys and in elderly males. At these times, gynaecomastia is likely to be due to physiological hormonal fluctuations, although there are a number of other causes including medications which must also be considered. We present a case of a 52-year-old male with gynaecomastia, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and hyperoestrogenaemia. MRI of the adrenals confirmed the presence of an adrenocortical carcinoma, which after preoperative hormone workup was diagnosed as a feminizing adrenal tumour. The lesion was excised, and adjunct Mitotane therapy was commenced. Hyperoestrogenaemia is often secondary to exogenous testosterone administration; however, in the presence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, other sources of oestrogen should be sought. This case highlights a rare, but nonetheless important cause of gynaecomastia.