Male breast cancer

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Male breast cancer
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Breast lump, nipple discharge, breast pain
Complications	Metastasis, lymphedema
Onset	Typically after age 60
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutations, hormonal imbalances, radiation exposure
Risks	BRCA2 mutation, Klinefelter syndrome, obesity, alcohol consumption
Diagnosis	Mammography, ultrasound, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Gynecomastia, lipoma, breast cyst
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy
Medication	Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors
Prognosis	Varies by stage; generally poorer than female breast cancer
Frequency	Rare; about 1% of all breast cancer cases
Deaths	Approximately 500 deaths per year in the United States

Overview of male breast cancer

Male breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer that occurs in the breast tissue of men. Although it is much less common than breast cancer in women, it is important for men to be aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options associated with this disease.

Epidemiology

Male breast cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases. The incidence of male breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000 men. The risk of developing male breast cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in men between the ages of 60 and 70.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors have been identified for male breast cancer, including:

• Genetic mutations: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the risk of breast cancer in both men and women.
• Family history: A family history of breast cancer can increase the risk for male breast cancer.
• Hormonal imbalances: Conditions that alter the balance of estrogen and testosterone in the body, such as Klinefelter syndrome, can increase risk.
• Radiation exposure: Previous exposure to radiation therapy, especially to the chest area, can increase risk.
• Liver disease: Conditions such as cirrhosis can alter hormone levels and increase risk.

Symptoms

The symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to those in women and may include:

• A lump or swelling in the breast tissue
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Nipple retraction or discharge
• Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of male breast cancer typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies such as mammography or ultrasound, and biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

Treatment

Treatment options for male breast cancer are similar to those for female breast cancer and may include:

• Surgery: Mastectomy is the most common surgical treatment for male breast cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment to target cancer cells throughout the body.
• Hormone therapy: Medications such as tamoxifen may be used to block the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells.

Prognosis

The prognosis for male breast cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the size of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

Awareness and Support

Awareness of male breast cancer is important for early detection and treatment. The pink and blue ribbon is a symbol used to raise awareness and support for those affected by male breast cancer.

See also

• Breast cancer
• BRCA1
• BRCA2
• Mastectomy
• Tamoxifen