As part of International Men’s Health Week this week, we are publishing a series of articles on men’s health topics and providing advice if negligent medical treatment is received.
Gynaecomastia:
Commonly caused by a hormonal imbalance, gynaecomastia causes men’s breasts to swell and become larger than normal. The condition commonly occurs in teenage boys and older men, with the only treatment options being medication to adjust the hormone imbalance or surgery to remove the excess breast tissue However, surgery is only available on the NHS for boys under 16.
Mr B’s story
We helped our client Mr B, achieve a settlement for over £20,000, following negligent surgery to remove right-sided gynaecomastia. Mr B was fit and well, but started to suffer with gynaecomastia at the age of 14. Our client noticed visible swelling on the right side of his chest He became self-conscious as the extra breast tissue became larger and more painful, so he sought GP advice. A diagnosis of gynaecomastia was confirmed but no treatment plan was offered to our client.
A year later, Mr B met with a specialist over fears the gynaecomastia was getting larger. After undergoing some tests, it was determined the excess tissue was not cancerous, and our client was to seek a referral for plastic surgery from his GP. Mr B met with a plastic surgeon, who performed a minimal visual examination and advised they would remove the gynaecomastia. However, the extent of the risks involved in such an operation were not discussed with him.
Following Mr B’s operation, he was examined by an alternate plastic surgeon. Upon examination, our client’s parents noticed that his right nipple was much higher than his left. The next day Mr B met with the plastic surgeon who performed his operation and concerns were raised regarding the asymmetry of his nipples, to which no explanation was given. During several wound redressing appointments, Mr B voiced concerns about the hight of his nipple but his concerns were repeatedly dismissed.
Mr B sought a second opinion, and upon examination, it was immediately apparent that the right nipple was indeed too high. Our client was provided with options to rectify the placement of his nipple when his wound had fully healed. Unfortunately, revision surgery has been delayed as Mr B has been told he needs to stop growing before considering further surgery. The negligent cosmetic outcome following our client’s operation left him with extensive scarring and asymmetry to his nipples.
If you feel you have suffered from negligent treatment or surgery for gynaecomastia, then you may have a claim for clinical negligence and our specialist team of solicitors may be able to assist you with your claim.
