Breast Cancer in Men - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Although male breast cancer is widely unheard of it does exist. In fact according to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1,970 cases of male breast cancer were diagnosed in 2010. It is true that breast cancer in women is far more common than men, yet the rising numbers of breast cancer in men cannot be undermined. This is the reason why awareness amongst men should be spread about this fatal disease.

The first step towards treating this illness is diagnosing it and in the case of cancer, it helps a great deal if it is detected early. Below are listed some of the symptoms which can help a person identify something abnormal which needs to be checked by a physician.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men

• As in women, male breast cancer can also be feared if there is an unexplained lump in the breast tissue.

• Men with breast cancer might also feel pain in their nipples or notice an inverted nipple.

• Some patients have also complained of a nipple discharge, which could both be clear or bloody.

• Breast enlargement is also a symptom.

Research has revealed that breast cancer in men has mostly been diagnosed in men between the ages of 60 to 70 but this is strictly not considered as a rule, which is why whenever one or more symptoms are present, immediately reporting to a doctor for a thorough examination is important.

Causes of Male Breast Cancer

Although no single reason can be pointed as the cause of male breast cancer, there are certain factors which have been revealed in studies to be the cause of the spread of cancerous cells. Some of these factors include:

• Radiation exposure

• Genetics

• Cirrhosis of the Liver

• Klinefelter’s Syndrome

• Obesity

• Familial Predisposition in the Family

• Use of Finasteride

Treatment of Male Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer in males like any other cancer develops through many different stages and that is the reason why there is not a single treatment for this disease. The selected treatment will depend upon what stage the cancer has progressed to and the age or physical condition of the patient.

Since breast cancer in both males and females develops in the breast tissue, the initial treatment includes removal of that tissue through surgery. This procedure is called mastectomy and is very common in treating this kind of cancer. Supplementary therapies include:

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted Therapy

• Radiation Therapy

• Hormone Therapy

Sometimes, a combination of some therapies is also required to fight against breast cancer in men.

Dealing With Male Breast Cancer

The survival rates calculated over past few years are not too depressing and the American Cancer Society states that breast cancer in men is still very rare. However the significance still lies in the fact when cancer is diagnosed, which is why awareness in men is very important.Breast cancer is commonly associated with women; and owing to this reason sometimes the symptoms in men go unnoticed.

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