Breast Cancer In Men

Can Men Get Breast Cancer?

Yes. Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. Men have a small amount of breast tissue, which is not capable of producing milk. It is this breast tissue that can become cancerous in men.

Male Breast Cancer Statistics

Male breast cancer accounts for only 1% of all breast cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1,970 male breast cancers are diagnosed each year, and will cause approximately 390 deaths. Most men who develop breast cancer are between the ages of 60 and 70, although it can happen at any age. The statistical risks of a man developing this disease is about 1 in a 1,000.

Male Breast Cancer Symptoms

The early signs of male breast cancer may be a firm mass just below the nipple. Typically, the lump is painless and is about 2.5 centimeters in diameter. Skin changes near the nipple can include ulceration, puckering, redness or scaling, or the nipple may turn inward.

If the cancer spreads to the bones, you may experience bone pain near the area of the cancer. In advance stages, you may experience weakness, weight loss or malaise.

Types Of Male Breast Cancer

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ - This type is curable with surgery. The cancer cells do not grow into the fatty tissue of the breast nor does it spread outside the breast. It accounts for about 1 in 10 cases of male breast cancer.
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma - This type spreads outside of the breast tissue into other parts of the body. It accounts for about 8 of 10 cases of male breast cancer. It typically will spread to the nipple.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma - This type if rare in men since men usually do not have lobular tissue. It typically spreads into the fatty tissue of the breast, and accounts for about 2% of all male breast cancers.
• Lobular Carcinoma in Situ - It forms in the lobules, but does not spread into the fatty tissue of the breast. Very rare in men.
• Paget Disease of the Nipple - It forms in the breast ducts and spreads to the nipple. The skin of the nipple may appear crushed, scaly and red. The area around the nipple may itch, ooze, burn and may bleed. You should feel a lump within the breast near the nipple.
  
• Inflammatory Breast Cancer - This is an aggressive form of breast cancer, but fortunately rare especially in men. It causes swollen breast, which becomes red, warm and tender. It does not form a lump. It can be mistaken for an infection of the breast.
  

Possible Causes of Male Breast Cancer

• Radiation Exposure - radiation therapy in the chest area can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
• High levels of Estrogen or Hyperestrogenism - All men produce small amounts of estrogen, but some may produce abnormally high levels. This can increase the risks of developing breast cancer.
• Klinefelter's Syndrome - this is an inherited condition, where a male inherits an extra X sex chromosome. Men with this condition will produce high levels of estrogen, develop enlarged breast, have sparse facial and body hair, small testes and are unable to produce sperm. It also comes with an increase risk of developing breast cancer.
  
• Cirrhosis of the Liver - this disease elevates blood estrogen levels and comes with an increased risk of breast cancer.
• Familial Predisposition - men with several female relatives with breast cancer also have an increase risk of developing the disease.
• Finasteride - this is a drug used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and to preven prostate cancer. It may be associated with an increased risk of male breast cancer.

References:

MedicineNet.com: Male Breast Cancer
American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer In Men

Charles