According to the University of Virginia Health system, breast cancer in men accounts for less than one percent of all cases of breast cancer. Breast cancer develops as a result of malignant cell growth in the breast tissue. The cancerous tissue can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Symptoms of breast cancer in men--whether it be masses in the tissue, skin or nipple changes--will occur over a prolonged period of time. While men and women experience the same symptoms in breast cancer, it often is not as quickly diagnosed in men.
Abnormal Swelling/Lumps
Finding lumps in the breast tissue is likely the most common symptom indicated when speaking about breast cancer. Since men have less breast tissue than women, lumps are usually easily visualized and palpated. Abnormal lumps in the breast tissue are hard and marble-like, although any mass should be evaluated by a medical professional regardless of the size and texture. Lumps may also appear in the tissue that extends to armpits as the breast tissue extends there as well. There may also be swelling of the breast area. This may be mistaken for an injury and be misdiagnosed as a pulled muscle or other injury to the tissue.
Nipple Changes
Men with breast cancer may also experience changes in the nipple area of the breast. Nipples can become inverted or retracted. In such cases the nipple pulls itself inward into the breast tissue and is not longer visualized or is only partially visualized. In addition, the nipple may have scaling and produce a discharge. According to MedicineNet, the discharge produced is generally opaque and bloody. These symptoms may or may not occur with pain.
Skin Changes
Breast cancer can cause skin changes to the breast area as well. For an individual with breast cancer, the skin may pucker, become deeply textured and resembling the peel of an orange. This is characteristic of a specific type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer, or Paget's disease. There may also be redness and scaling of the skin. The reddened and scaling skin may produce pain and drainage. In such instances this can be mistaken for a rash or allergic reaction. An ulceration or open sore may appear on the breast area in men with breast cancer.
