Male breast cancer is a rare disease, but it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get diagnosed and treated early. This article will discuss everything you need to know about it, including the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer
The following are some variables that increase a man’s chance of developing breast cancer:
- Age: The condition strikes men over the age of 60 the most frequently.
- Family history: Men with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease.
- Genetic mutations: Men with certain genetic mutations, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
- Hormonal factors: High levels of estrogen and low levels of testosterone can increase a man’s risk of breast cancer.
- Certain medical conditions: Men with certain medical conditions, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome and liver disease, are at increased risk of breast cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, alcohol consumption, and exposure to radiation can increase a man’s risk of breast cancer.
Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer
A lump in the breast is the most typical sign of breast cancer. The lump may be hard or soft, and it may be painless or tender.
Other possible signs of male breast cancer include the following:
- Swelling of the breast
- Changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness, dimpling, or thickening
- Discharge from the nipple
- Pain in the breast or nipple
- Changes in the size or shape of the nipple
Diagnosis of Male Breast Cancer
If a doctor suspects that a man may have breast cancer, they will perform a physical examination and ask about the man’s medical history and symptoms. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as a mammogram and ultrasound, to get a better look at the breast tissue.
If the imaging tests show a suspicious lump, the doctor will likely recommend a biopsy. A breast biopsy involves the removal of a minute tissue sample for microscopic examination to identify the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment for Male Breast Cancer
The treatment depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, and the man’s overall health.
Common treatment options for male breast cancer include:
- Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding breast tissue is often the first line of treatment.
- Radiation therapy: RRadiation treatment eliminates cancer cells by subjecting them to high-energy radiation. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or it may be used as a standalone treatment for men with early-stage cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that kills cancer cells throughout the body. Men with advanced-stage cancer might get chemotherapy before or after surgery or alone.
- Hormonal therapy: Hormonal therapy is a type of treatment that blocks the effects of hormones that can promote the growth of cancer cells. Hormonal therapy is often used to treat men with breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive.
Prognosis for Male Breast Cancer
The prognosis depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, and the man’s overall health.
Men diagnosed with early-stage male breast cancer have a very good prognosis. The five-year survival rate for men with early-stage is over 90%.
The prognosis for men with advanced-stage is not as good, but it has improved significantly in recent years. The five-year survival rate for men with advanced-stage of it now over 60%.
Conclusion
Although, it is very uncommon, it is nevertheless vital to be aware of the signs so that it may be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about male breast cancer, please talk to your doctor.