Breast Lump Detected
Unlike women, there is no regular screening for breast cancer in men at average risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer in males is in general detected because the patients have some symptoms associated with breast cancer, most notably the presence of a palpable mass (breast lump).
According to "Cancer Of The Breast," most breast lumps in males are located within 3/4 inch from the skin and easily detected by physical examinations, unless the patient is morbidly obese. Other symptoms that might lead to further diagnostic tests for breast cancer in males include nipple discharge, nipple retraction, skin thickening and ulceration.
Mammogram Screening For High Risk
For men at high risk for breast cancer, established by their family history, breast cancers can be detected through annual mammogram screening. A mammogram is a procedure using low dose x-ray to take images of the breast. The images are then examined for masses or lumps. If suspicious masses are present, then the patient will be referred for a biopsy.
Biopsy Needed To Establish Breast Cancer Diagnosis
To establish breast cancer diagnosis, a biopsy is performed. According "Cancer Of The Breast," the common biopsy method used for male breast cancer is fine needle aspiration cytolology (FNAC).
During FNAC, a hollow needle is inserted into the breast lump, detected during physical examination, to exact cells. These cells will be subsequently analyzed for signs of cancer under microscope. The FNAC test for men has high sensitivity and specificity, according to an article published in "Journal of Clinical Pathology" in November, 2003.
Once the diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by biopsy, patients are evaluated to determine whether the cancer has metastasized to other organs in the body. Mammograms can be used to detect breast cancer in the other breast.
References
- "Cancer Of The Breast;" William L. Donegan, MD and John L. Spratt, MD; 2003
- American Cancer Society: Male Breast Cancer
- "Journal of Clinical Pathology;" Core Needle Biopsy in Male Breast Lesions; P.J. Westenend; Nov. 2003
