Even though it’s not possible for men to produce milk in their breasts, it’s still possible for men to get breast cancer. Male breasts resemble prepubescent female breasts in the sense that they consist of breast cells, ducts, and fatty tissue. Breast cancer in men occurs when the tissue cells start growing out of control, thus creating a tumor. Male breast cancer treatment typically involves hormonal and targeted therapy as well as radiation and chemotherapy. Male breast cancer surgery is also an option, and the success of the treatment will depend on the size and spread of the tumor. Affected men can also count on the best breast surgery specialists in Miami in the case of breast cancer, as this is not a female-only condition.

Different Types of Male Breast Cancer

Oftentimes, breast ducts are the starting point of breast cancer in men. These are actual milk ducts, but in men, they function differently compared to milk ducts in women.

That said, male breast cancer types are as follows:

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer regardless of one’s gender. It starts in the ducts and can spread to other breast parts and even spread to other body parts.
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands, also referred to as lobules, and can affect other body parts as well.
  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) involves the abnormal growth of cancer cells in the duct lining. This particular tumor doesn’t spread to the other body parts and is also rather rare in men.
  • Inflammatory breast cancer is essentially a type of invasive ductal carcinoma and is rather rare in men. It presents itself as red and swollen breast tissue that often feels warm. There’s usually no lump, but the skin can be dimpled.
  • Paget’s disease of the nipple is cancer that starts in the ducts and then spreads to the nipple and its surrounding area.

Common Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer

 

Man in Posture of Care or Protect Himself From Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, men don’t get mammogram scans regularly or at all, which means that men with breast cancer only have physical signs and symptoms to go by. In that respect, the typical symptoms of male breast cancer involve:

  • A breast lump that can be felt like a thick area on the breast, in the armpit, or behind the nipple
  • Appearance change is another common symptom of male breast cancer that men tend to notice first, usually characterized by sunken or misshapen breast tissue
  • Painful sensation together with increased sensitivity and tenderness in the breast or underarm area
  • Nipple issues such as inversion or excreting bloody/clear liquid
  • Changes in the skin such as ulcers or scaly and red skin on the breast or around the nipple

Main Causes of Breast Cancer in Men

It’s a fact that breast cancer in men is not that common, considering that only 1% of breast cancer patients are male. Men who are more at risk of developing breast cancer are over 60 years old. Also, the risk of male breast cancer is a bit higher in black men.  

However, it’s also a fact that anyone, regardless of their gender, can get breast cancer. Men with breast cancer can be really surprised to find out about their condition, which is why it’s important to be aware of the most common risk factors:

  • Age; men who are older than 60 have a higher chance of breast cancer development
  • Obesity; this can cause male breast enlargement, which increases the risk of cancer
  • Increased estrogen levels caused by certain meds or health issues like liver disease can also boost cancer risk
  • Family medical history is also a factor with a first-degree relative suffering from breast cancer regardless of their gender
  • Genetic mutations such as BRCA gene changes can also increase breast cancer risk, together with prostate and pancreatic cancers
  • Going through torso/chest radiation therapy also poses cancer risk for men
  • Testicle injuries and surgeries can increase the risk of breast cancer in men

Male Breast Cancer Treatment

The stage of cancer affects the male breast cancer treatment as well. When they assess your medical history and overall health, your doctor will provide you with the most effective treatment options for you. The most common treatments are:

  • Male breast cancer surgery may be necessary for quick tumor removal. Depending on whether you’re removing just a lump or the entire breast, male breast cancer surgery can either be a lumpectomy or mastectomy. It might also be necessary to have the lymph nodes removed.
  • Surgery is often followed by targeted radiation that will kill off cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy is another treatment option for men with breast cancer. The doctor will insert chemotherapy drugs into the vein or give you pills to take orally. This prevents cancer cell multiplication but the treatment itself lasts for several weeks/months.
  • Endocrine or hormone therapy can lower estrogen levels in males when the cancer growth is caused by higher estrogen levels in the first place.
  • Certain medications may be suggested to the patient that could stop the growth or completely kill cancer cells. Of course, the doctor will first discuss the potential side effects before they decide to include the meds in the targeted therapy.

Male Breast Cancer Prevention

 

Young Handsome Man Holding Cancer Ribbon Standing Over Isolated Pink Background

Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to completely prevent breast cancer, but there are practices that can considerably lower your risk of developing cancer. In general, healthy lifestyle habits such as engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing the intake of alcohol can definitely reduce breast cancer risk.

However, if there’s a history of breast cancer in your family, it would be smart to discuss this with your doctor and maybe even go through genetic testing. The tests can show whether BRCA mutation exists. If it does, you can then go for more frequent cancer screenings and doctor follow-ups.

The Outlook for Men with Breast Cancer

When cancer is concerned, the prognosis will largely depend on its size and spread, or the stage of the cancer progression. Namely, the higher this stage is, the worse the prognosis gets. When cancer is diagnosed early on, the outlook also considerably improves. Unfortunately, due to an irregular or complete lack of breast screenings, the first sign of cancer men usually notice is a lump. By that time, cancer could have spread significantly. In general, the survival rate of men with breast cancer is 84%, making that 97% when the disease hasn’t spread yet.

That said, if you happen to notice any symptom that could point to breast cancer, don’t write it off as something that simply can’t affect you just because you’re a man. It most definitely can, so don’t hesitate to report to your doctor as soon as possible. Feel free to reach out to us at Breast Care Center Miami, where we provide custom, top-notch breast surgical oncology care to our patients. We pride ourselves on delivering an unmatched level of service to our community.