Gynecomastia historical perspective

Gynecomastia is derived from Greek words, “gyne” which means woman and “mastos” which means breast. The term was originally coined by Galen, a Greek physician. Gynecomastia has been a known concept since the days of Aristotle (384–322 BC). The surgical management was initially discussed by Paulus, a Greek physician and later modified by Al-Zahrawi or Albucasis, an Andalusian surgeon.

The most important historical events related to gynecomastia diagnosis and treatment include:^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

• The term gynecomastia was coined by Galen (130–200 AD), a Greek physician who described gynecomastia as an abnormal increase in fat within the male breast.
• Gynecomastia is derived from Greek words; “gyne” which means woman and “mastos” which means breast.
• Gynecomastia has been a known concept since the days of Aristotle.
• In the 7th century, there is some evidence of surgical treatment of gynecomastia by Paulus, a Greek physician. He is known for suggesting surgical treatment of gynecomastia for the first time in his Epitome of Medicine (Seven Books).
• Haly Abbas later in the Islamic age described the surgical management of gynecomastia in his Kitab al-Maliki (The Royal Book). His work was based on that of Paulus of Aegina.
• Al-Zahrawi or Albucasis, an Andalusian surgeon also provided the surgical treatment of gynecomastia after Paulus.
• Four centuries later, Şerefeddin Sabuncuoğlu illustrated the surgical techniques for the management of gynecomastia. These techniques were based on the work by Paulus and Al-Zahrawi.
• Al-Zahrawi’s surgical management was thought to be based on those of Paulus. The modification of surgical approach and use of medicinal substances might be indicative of Al-Zahrawi’s own practice of the procedure.
• Al-Zahrawi’s surgical management was practiced for many centuries.
• The probable etiology of gynecomastia was not discussed by Paulus and Al-Zahrawi in their work. In current practice, surgery for gynecomastia is reserved after the underlying cause is treated or after the failure of medical treatment.
• In the 18th century, Olpan, Schuchardt, and Gruber were among the prominent people who worked on gynecomastia.
• In 1919, Dr. Helen Ingleby published two cases of gynecomastia.

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