Neonatal gynecomastia

The article is written by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thuc Vy - Doctor of Radiology - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

Breast enlargement in babies is not a rare condition today, many parents who are first exposed and know about this problem are often quite worried and do not know how to handle it? Actively learning will help parents take better care of their children.

It is normal for babies (boys and girls) to have mild swelling or even a large swelling or lump under the nipple. They are almost always benign and are caused by exposure to maternal hormones while in the womb. The hormones that make your breasts bigger and your milk glands stimulated can have a similar effect on your baby's breasts.
Newborn breast lumps and swelling can be quite noticeable at birth. They may even continue to grow for some time after birth. If you gently squeeze the nipple, some milk may be expressed. Over weeks or sometimes even months, when no longer exposed to maternal hormones, breast tissue begins to shrink and eventually return to normal. Sometimes a small amount of mammary gland tissue remains but does not grow or cause discomfort.
Where many parents worry too much touching and squeezing, causing this area to become irritated. It is best not to touch and let nature do the shrinking process.

In the rare case when the breast is infected (swollen, red, painful, and draining) and the baby has a fever, maybe axillary lymph nodes, the baby will be more likely to have neonatal mastitis.
Neonatal mastitis usually occurs in infants under five weeks of age, with peak incidence around three weeks of age. Systemic symptoms, such as fever, are not always present. In this case, parents need to take their child to the doctor to check for an infection.
Pediatrics - Vinmec International General Hospital is the address to receive and handle many common problems in infants and young children. In order to provide the best quality of examination and treatment for each pediatric patient, the hospital not only has a team of doctors and experts from many large hospitals but also actively cooperates with foreign experts, in treatment of complex diseases, requiring high technology. Combined with that is a system of modern equipment and machinery, a clean medical environment, avoiding cross-infection between patients.
With strict medical standards, Vinmec currently has many achievements and is highly appreciated by experts and customers. Therefore, parents can rest assured to choose Vinmec hospital.

Reference source: webmd.com