Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

Guthrie testA blood test performed
routinely on a heel-prick blood sample
taken from babies between the 8th and
14th day after birth to check for the
inherited disorder phenylketonuria.

gynaecologyThe medical speciality
concerned with the female reproductive
tract. Gynaecology deals with contra-
ception, the investigation and treatment
of menstrual problems (see menstru-
ation, disorders of), sexual problems,
infertility, problems relating to the meno-
pause, and disorders such as uterine
fibroidsand ovarian cysts. Gynaecology
also covers disorders of early pregnan-
cy, such as recurrent miscarriage.
gynaecomastiaEnlargement of one or
both breastsin the male, due, in some
cases, to an excess of the female sex
hormone oestrogenin the blood.
Mild, temporary gynaecomastia can
occur at birth as a result of maternal hor-
mones, and it is common at puberty.
Gynaecomastia developing in later life
may be due to chronic liver diseases
such as cirrhosis. Hormone secreting
tumours such as pituitary or testicular
tumours may also be a cause.
Adult gynaecomastia, which some-
times occurs in only one breast, can
also occur when synthetic hormones and
some drugs, such as digoxin, spirono-
lactone, and cimetidine, change the
balance of sex hormones. Rarely, a dis-
crete lump that develops on one breast
may be due to a male breast cancer.

Investigation may involve blood tests. If

cancer is suspected, a biopsywill be

performed. Treatment depends on the

cause. If a drug is responsible, an alter-

native will be prescribed if possible. If

there is no underlying disease, swelling

usually subsides without treatment.

Cosmetic surgery may be considered in

severe cases (see mammoplasty).

GYNAECOMASTIA

G

GUTHRIE TEST

COLLECTING SAMPLE FOR

GUTHRIE TEST

GUTHRIE TEST

Test card