5 Important Questions to Ask About Breast Cancer in Men
While breast cancer can start in both women and men, breast cancer in men is very rare. At birth, everyone is born with breast tissue. People assigned female at birth grow more tissue, while those assigned male don’t. Breast tissue consists of milk-producing glands and ducts that carry milk. Because everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue, breast cancer can develop in anyone.
The most common type of breast cancer in men is called infiltrating ductal carcinoma. This is cancer that starts in cells lining the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissues.
What Causes Breast Cancer in Men?
Experts think that genes may play a role in breast cancer development in men. These include a family history of breast cancer in an individual’s parents, siblings, and children, and inherited changes (mutations) of the BRCA (BReast CAncer) genes. Genes other than BRCA may also play a role. But each cancer case is different.
Which Men Are at Risk?
Risk factors for breast cancer in men include:
- Being age 60 or older
- Radiation exposure, such as from radiation used to treat another cancer in the chest
- Diseases linked to high estrogen levels and low levels of male hormones (hyperestrogenism)
- Heavy use of alcohol
- Obesity
- Family history of breast cancer
- BRCA2 gene mutation in the family
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men?
The most common symptoms include:
- A lump, thickening or swelling in the breast or armpit
- A nipple that turns inward (inversion)
- Fluid leaking from the nipple (discharge) that may be bloody
- Skin or nipple changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness or scaling
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
These symptoms might be caused by other health problems. But it’s important to see a health care provider right away if you have these symptoms. Your provider will determine if steps are necessary to diagnose cancer.
How Is Breast Cancer in Men Diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. A breast exam will be done. This means carefully feeling the breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything else that seems abnormal. Imaging modalities listed below will determine if a biopsy is needed, which is the way that cancer is diagnosed.
- Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to make pictures of internal organs or tissues.
- Mammogram. This is an X-ray of the breast.
- Biopsy. The doctor removes a tiny piece (sample) of cells or tissue to be tested.
How Is It Treated?
There are three main treatments for breast cancer. These are surgery, radiation and systemic therapy (medicines which may or may not include chemotherapy). Your doctors will determine which of these treatments are necessary and in which order they should be administered. Breast cancer care is highly specialized to the individual patient and can vary widely.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you should alert your health care provider. Early detection will lead to the best outcomes possible.
