According to the National Cancer Institute, male breast cancer is generally seen in men who are between the ages of 60 and 70 years old and constitutes less than 1 percent of all breast cancer detected. Family history and high levels of estrogen are two common causes for this disease.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms for male breast cancer include lumps or a thickened feeling in the breast, possible redness or scaling of the skin around the breast and the nipple, nipple discharges and any indentations or retractions of the nipple.
Causes
The National Cancer Institute notes that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are known to be caused by hereditary factors. It's not really clear what causes the abnormal cell growth to begin. Cancer cells can form into a cluster and continue to multiply. Over time, they destroy healthy cells and destroy the tissues in the body. When the cancer cells start growing, they become overcrowded and turn hard.
It's possible that men have mutated genes that may increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Check your family history thoroughly for a possible history of breast cancer.
Diagnosis
In male breast cancer cases, there are some preliminary and diagnostic tests that are recommended. A clinical breast exam is the first step. The doctor will check for lumps or changes in the breast that are noticeable. A mammogram may be ordered to rule out breast cancer. This test takes X-rays of the breast at different angles. If any abnormality exists, it will show up. Breast ultrasounds are more thorough than X-rays and they can determine if a lump is cancerous. Nipple discharge examination may also be done. This will require the doctor to take a sample of the discharge coming from the nipple. A biopsy may be required if a lump is found. The lump will be sent for further testing to see if any cancer cells are located.
Complications
Most of the secondary complications that arise are due to the further spread of the disease. Many times after surgery, cancer cells appear in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, eyes and brain or as the cancer goes undetected in the early stages, cancer spreads to adjoining areas in male breast cancer patients. Treatment of the cancer is best effective if detected in early stages before it spreads to other areas.
Treatment
If male breast cancer is diagnosed in early stages, chemotherapy and radiation are advised. But if the cancer has spread, surgery is the first option. This procedure removes the breast, portions of the chest muscle and auxiliary lymph nodes. It is followed up with chemotherapy and radiation to stop the spread of cancer cells.
