Brain Tumor Causes Man in China to Grow Breasts, Start Lactating

The man, only identified by his surname Wang, had started lactating four years ago, according to Pear Video as translated by Shanghaiist.

He reportedly gained 25 kilograms (55 pounds) in two years and noticed his breasts had also grown to B-cup sizes since they began lactating.

 

Wang is suffering from a condition known as prolactinoma. According to Mayo Clinic, prolactinoma is “a condition in which a noncancerous tumor (adenoma) of the pituitary gland in your brain overproduces the hormone prolactin.”

The hormone prolactin tells the female body to produce breast milk, Medical News Today reported.

Other symptoms in men include erectile dysfunction, decreased body and facial hair, and uncommonly, enlarged breasts (gynecomastia).

In Wang’s case, however, his body is producing the hormone at levels five times higher than that of a new mother.

He hoped to address his condition by undergoing surgery, but his doctor prescribed him with medication to manage the size of the tumor in his pituitary gland. After taking the medication, Wang is reportedly starting to grow a beard.

Feature Image via Shanghaiist