Understanding Male Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Creator: Doctronic
Published: 2024-04-17

Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on April 17th, 2024.

Key Takeaways

This rare cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cases but peaks between ages 60-70, with men having a 1 in 833 lifetime risk compared to women's 1 in 8.
About 90% of cases are hormone receptor-positive, making them highly responsive to tamoxifen therapy, which can reduce recurrence risk by up to 50%.
BRCA2 mutations increase male risk by 6-8%, while Klinefelter syndrome (XXY chromosomes) raises odds 20-50 times higher than average men.
Modified radical mastectomy is standard treatment since breast-conserving surgery isn't feasible due to minimal breast tissue in men.
Five-year survival rates exceed 95% when caught at stage I, but drop to 75% at stage II and 72% at stage III, emphasizing early detection importance.

While breast cancer is more commonly associated with women, men can also develop the disease. Although rare, male breast cancer accounts for about 1 in every 1,000 breast cancer cases. It's crucial for men to be aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options available to them.

Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer

Several factors can increase a man's likelihood of developing breast cancer, including:

Age: Most cases occur between the ages of 60 and 70
Family history of breast cancer in close female relatives
Exposure to radiation in the chest area
Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) due to hormonal treatments, infections, or toxins
Estrogen therapy
Klinefelter's syndrome, a rare genetic condition
Severe liver disease (cirrhosis)
Testicular conditions, such as mumps orchitis, injury, or undescended testicles
Obesity

Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer

The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a lump in the chest area. Other signs may include:

Nipple discharge, especially if bloody
Nipple retraction (turning inward)
Skin dimpling or redness
Scaliness of the nipple or breast skin

It's important for men to promptly consult a doctor if they notice any of these symptoms, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Diagnosing Male Breast Cancer

The diagnostic process for male breast cancer is similar to that for women and may include:

Physical examination
Mammography
Biopsy (analyzing a small tissue sample under a microscope)

These tests help determine the presence, type, and stage of breast cancer, which guides treatment decisions.

Understanding Male Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Male Breast Cancer

Treatment for male breast cancer often involves a combination of therapies, depending on the stage and type of the disease. Common treatments include:

Surgery

A mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, is the most common surgical procedure for men with breast cancer. In some cases, breast-conserving surgery may be an option. Lymph nodes may also be removed to check for cancer spread.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. It may be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells or as the main treatment for inoperable tumors.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to attack cancer cells throughout the body. It may be administered after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or as the primary treatment for advanced or metastatic cancer.

Hormone Therapy

Some types of breast cancer rely on hormones to grow. Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen, blocks the effects of these hormones, slowing or stopping cancer growth. It is often more effective in men than in women, as approximately 90% of male breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), is designed to treat breast cancers that produce excess amounts of the HER2 protein. These drugs can slow cancer growth and potentially boost the immune system's ability to fight the disease.

After treatment, lifelong follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence and maintain overall health. Regular check-ups and screenings can help ensure the best possible outcomes for men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

For more information on male breast cancer, visit:

The Bottom Line

Though uncommon, male breast cancer responds exceptionally well to treatment when detected early, particularly since most cases are hormone-sensitive. Any new breast lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes warrant immediate medical evaluation given the dramatic survival differences between early and late-stage diagnosis. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms, Doctronic can help you get prompt answers and appropriate care recommendations.