Is Breast Cancer common in men

Is Breast Cancer common in men

Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of tissue (tumor) in the breast that is cancerous (malignant). Unlike noncancerous (benign) tumors, malignant tumors can spread to other parts of your body.

Men have breast tissue and can get breast cancer.

What are the causes of Breast Cancer in men?

The cause of male breast cancer is unknown.

What increases the risk?

• Age. Most cases of male breast cancer occur in men between the ages of 60 years and 70 years.
• Family history of breast cancer.
• Having the BRCA1and BRCA2genes.
• Personal history of radiation exposure.
• Using drugs that contain estrogen.
• Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).
• Obesity.
• Having the genetic disorder Klinefelter syndrome.

What are the signs or symptoms?

• A painless lump in the breast.
• Breast skin changes, such as puckering or dimpling.
• Nipple abnormalities, such as scaling, crustiness, redness, or pulling in (retraction).
• Nipple discharge that is bloody or clear.

How is this diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your medical history. He or she may also perform a number of procedures, such as:

• A physical exam. This will involve feeling the tissue around the breast and under the arms.
• Taking a sample of any nipple discharge. The sample will be examined under a microscope.
• Breast X-rays (mammogram) and breast ultrasound exams.
• Taking a tissue sample (biopsy) from the breast. The sample will be examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Your cancer will be staged to determine its severity and extent. Staging is a careful attempt to find out the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body. You may need to have more tests to determine the stage of your cancer:

• Stage 0—The tumor has not spread to other breast tissue.
• Stage I—The cancer is only found in the breast. The tumor may be up to ¾ in (2 cm) wide.
• Stage II—The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The tumor may be up to 2 in (5 cm) wide.
• Stage III—The cancer has spread to more distant lymph nodes. The tumor may be larger than 2 in (5 cm) wide.
• Stage IV—The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, liver, or lungs.

How is this treated?

Depending on the type and stage, male breast cancer may be treated with one or more of the following therapies:

• Surgery to remove all the breast tissue, including the nipple, and the lymph nodes under the arm.
• Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Hormonal therapy, which involves taking medicine to adjust the hormone levels in your body. You may take medicine to decrease your estrogen levels. This can help stop cancer cells from growing.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Consider joining a support group. This may help you learn to cope with the stress of having breast cancer.
• Keep all follow-up appointments as directed by your health care provider.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a sudden increase in pain.
• You notice a new lump in either breast or under your arm.
• You develop swelling in either arm or hand.
• You lose weight without trying.
• You have a fever.
• You notice new fatigue or weakness.

Get help right away if:

• You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
• You faint.