Prevalence

The true prevalence is unknown since it may be difficult to distinguish from lipomastia.

• asymptomatic gynecomastia is found on examination in one third to two thirds of men and at autopsy in 40 to 55% of men (1)
  
  
  • three peaks of distribution for asymptomatic gynecomastia has been observed -
    • neonatal - in 60%-90%
    • pubertal - 50%-60%
    • elderly males - up to 70% (2)
      
      
• the prevalence rate of symptomatic gynecomastia is noted to be significantly lower.

Cancer of the breast is diagnosed in around 1% of the patients with breast enlargement (3).


Reference:

• (1) Braunstein GD. Clinical practice. Gynecomastia. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(12):1229-37.
• (2) Johnson RE, Kermott CA, Murad MH. Gynecomastia - evaluation and current treatment options. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2011;7:145-8.
• (3) Niewoehner CB, Schorer AE. Gynaecomastia and breast cancer in men. BMJ. 2008 Mar 29;336(7646):709-13.