Small case series links cannabis use with recurrent adolescent gynecomastia

The Role of Cannabis in Recurrent Adolescent Gynecomastia.

The Journal of craniofacial surgery • • Highly Relevant
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AI Summary

This abstract-based summary examines whether cannabis use may be associated with recurrent adolescent gynecomastia, a condition involving male breast glandular enlargement. The report is a human case series of 3 adolescent males who had surgery for gynecomastia, later reported cannabis use, and developed recurrence that required a second operation. All had normal baseline endocrine evaluations, and recurrence occurred despite stable or lower body weight.

The second surgeries were successful, with no further recurrence reported at 1-year follow-up, and the patients stopped using cannabis. However, this case series cannot establish that cannabis caused either the original condition or its recurrence. It also cannot determine how common the association is or clarify the underlying biological mechanism. The authors call for prospective research and suggest that clinicians consider discussing potentially modifiable factors, including substance use. This is an abstract-based summary; it does not represent a review of the full text.

💡 Key Findings

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A human case series reported 3 adolescent males with recurrent gynecomastia after surgery who had reported cannabis use.
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Recurrence occurred despite stable or decreased body weight, and all patients had normal baseline endocrine evaluations.
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The cases suggest a potential association between cannabis use and recurrent male breast glandular proliferation, but causality cannot be established.
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After secondary surgery, no further recurrence was reported at 1-year follow-up, and the patients discontinued cannabis use.
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The authors conclude that prospective studies are needed to determine whether cannabis contributes to recurrence and to clarify possible mechanisms.
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📄 Original Abstract

Gynecomastia is a common condition affecting adolescent males, and recurrence following surgical excision is not uncommon. Cannabis has been proposed as a potential endocrine system disruptor, though its role in gynecomastia or its recurrence remains unclear. We present a case series of 3 adolescent males who underwent initial excision for gynecomastia, reported postoperative cannabis use, and developed recurrence requiring secondary surgery. All patients had normal baseline endocrine evaluations and varied in body mass index, disease severity, and laterality. Recurrence occurred despite stable or decreased body weight. Secondary surgical management was successful, with no further recurrence at 1-year follow-up, and patients discontinued cannabis use. While causality cannot be established, these cases highlight a potential association between cannabis use and recurrent male breast glandular proliferation. Clinicians should consider counseling patients on modifiable risk factors, including substance use. Further prospective studies are needed to better define this relationship and its underlying mechanisms.

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