1. Breast Cancer: Not Just for Women
Breast cancer begins with the development of tumor-like cancer cells found in the breast, which can spread to other areas of the body. This type of cancer occurs mostly in women but occasionally happens in men. The reality is that many people do not know that men have breast tissue and can therefore develop breast cancer. The incidence of breast cancer in men is rare. It most often happens to men in their 60s and 70s. Risk factors for breast cancer in men include breast cancer family history, high levels of estrogen seen in some diseases like cirrhosis, and radiation exposure.
2. A Man's Symptoms
As with women, the most common type of symptom of breast cancer may be a lump found in the chest area. You might also see nipple changes and/or skin dimpling and puckering. Because a man's breast is smaller than a woman's breast, it is likely that the cancer will spread to the chest wall earlier than in women.
3. Diagnosing Male Breast Cancer
If the exam and history of a patient indicate that there may be cancer, there are several types of diagnostic tools used to confirm or deny the diagnosis. A mammogram is important to assess the tissue of the breast. Your physician may opt to do a needle biopsy to extract a small amount of suspicious tissues for testing, or even sonography, which uses high frequency waves to detail a part of the body, can be used. In some cases, the performance of a biopsy to sample the tissues happens and examination of the tissues under a microscope occurs. In any of these cases, it is important to diagnose any type of suspicious growth or lump as fast as possible.
4. Men's Treatment Options
The treatment of breast cancer in men is the same as it is for women. These options include surgery such as mastectomy, which is the removal of all breast tissue with some additional lymph node removal; radiation using x-rays to shrink and kill any remaining cancer cells, and chemotherapy utilizing medications that destroy cancerous cells and usually involves two or more medications in various combinations. The side effects seen when having chemotherapy may be hair loss, vomiting, nausea and fatigue.
5. Find Support When Diagnosed
Many men find that they may experience a wide range of emotions after being diagnosed with breast cancer, including embarrassment about developing this type of cancer. It is important that you find a support group to attend to discuss any feelings of anger, guilt, anxiety, fear or resentment you may encounter. It is important to feel that your emotions are a natural part of your disease and support is available.
