How does breast cancer in men start?

Breast cancer in men starts when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. The tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Breast cancer in men starts in the breast ducts or lobules, which are the glands that produce milk. The cancer cells can also form in the fatty and connective tissues of the breast. As the cells divide and grow, they can form a lump or mass that can be felt through the skin.

The exact cause of breast cancer in men is not fully understood, but there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These include:
  • Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as men get older.
  • Family history: Men with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
  • Genetic mutations: Men with certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or PTEN have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
  • High levels of estrogen: Men with high levels of estrogen, which can be caused by certain medical conditions or treatments, have a higher risk of breast cancer.
  • Exposure to radiation: Men who have been exposed to radiation in the chest area have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
It's important to note that most men with these risk factors will not develop breast cancer, but it is important to be aware of the risk and to consult with a doctor if you have any concerns.

Table of Contents

Breast Cancer in Men: Know the Signs
What happens if a man has breast cancer?
How do men check for breast cancer at home?
Is breast cancer painful in men?

Breast Cancer in Men: Know the Signs

Breast cancer in men is rare, but it can occur. It is important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so that they can seek prompt medical attention if necessary. Some of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men include:

  • A lump or mass in the breast tissue: This is the most common symptom of breast cancer in men. The lump may be hard or firm and may or may not be painful.
  • Changes in the skin over the breast: This may include redness, irritation, or dimpling of the skin.
  • Nipple discharge or changes in the nipple: This may include a change in the direction of the nipple, a crusty or scaly appearance, or a discharge from the nipple.
  • Swelling or pain in the chest or armpit: This may be caused by a buildup of lymph nodes in the chest or armpit.
  • Unexplained weight loss: Cancer cells can use up energy and nutrients, which can lead to weight loss.
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as an infection or a benign lump. It is important to consult a doctor if you notice any changes in your breast tissue or have any concerns.

Additionally, men with a family history of breast cancer, or who have certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or PTEN have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, and should be aware of the signs and symptoms, and have regular check-ups with their doctor.

What happens if a man has breast cancer?

If a man is diagnosed with breast cancer, the course of treatment will depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. In general, treatment options for breast cancer in men include:

  • Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer in men. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells. This may include a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, or a lumpectomy, which involves removing only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or to shrink a large tumor before surgery.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or to kill any remaining cancer cells.
  • Hormonal therapy: Hormonal therapy is a treatment that blocks the action of hormones that can fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer.
  • Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets specific molecules or pathways in cancer cells that allow them to grow and survive.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
The choice of treatment will depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. It is important to consult with a team of specialists, such as a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and a breast cancer specialist to determine the best course of treatment.

It's important to note that breast cancer can be treated, but it can also come back, so it's important to have regular follow-up screenings and check-ups after treatment. Support groups and counseling can also be helpful to men diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their families, to cope with this diagnosis and treatment.

How do men check for breast cancer at home?

Men can check for breast cancer at home by performing a self-exam, which involves feeling for lumps or changes in the breast tissue. Here are a few steps men can take to check for breast cancer at home:

  • Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides and your shoulders relaxed. Look for any changes in the size or shape of your breasts, as well as any changes in the skin, such as dimpling, redness, or scaling.
  • Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes.
  • Lie down and use the pads of your fingers to feel for lumps or changes in the breast tissue. Make sure to check both breasts and feel all the way up to your collarbone and under your armpits.
  • Repeat the exam on a regular basis, such as once a month, to detect any changes in the breast tissue as early as possible.
It's important to note that most lumps or changes in the breast tissue are not cancerous, but it's important to have any lumps or changes checked by a doctor.

It's also important to be aware of other symptoms such as breast pain, discharge from the nipples, and changes in the shape, size or direction of the nipples.

It's important to mention that a self-exam is not a substitute for regular check-ups with a healthcare professional. It's recommended that men have a clinical breast exam as part of their regular physical check-up starting at age 50, or earlier if they have a higher risk of breast cancer due to family history or genetic mutations.

Is breast cancer painful in men?

Breast cancer may or may not be painful in men. Some men with breast cancer may not experience any pain or discomfort, while others may have breast pain or discomfort. The presence or absence of pain is not a reliable indicator of the presence or absence of breast cancer. It's important to note that breast cancer can be present without any symptoms or pain, and that's why it's important to be aware of the warning signs of breast cancer and to consult a doctor if you notice any changes in your breast tissue or have any concerns.

A lump or mass in the breast tissue is the most common symptom of breast cancer in men and it may or may not be painful. Other symptoms like changes in the skin over the breast, nipple discharge or changes in the nipple, swelling or pain in the chest or armpit, unexplained weight loss, and skin changes, may be present.

If you have any concerns or notice any changes in your breast tissue, it's important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key to the successful treatment of breast cancer, and the sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Tags:

  • How do men check for breast cancer at home?
  • What happens if a man has breast cancer?
  • What are the 5 warning signs of breast cancer in men?
  • What are the 7 warning signs of breast cancer?
  • How does breast cancer in men start?
  • Is breast cancer painful in men?
  • What are signs of cancer in males?
  • What are 3 ways to detect breast cancer?
  • How do I make sure I don't have cancer?
  • Do men survive breast cancer?
  • How is breast cancer treated in men?
  • What causes breast pain in a man?
  • Can male doctors examine breast?
  • What is the best way to detect breast cancer early?
  • What percentage of men get breast cancer?
  • Does breast cancer hurt?
  • At what age is breast cancer common in men?
  • How long do men with breast cancer live?
  • What type of breast cancer do men get?
  • How to avoid breast cancer?
  • How fast does breast cancer grow?