Yes, men can get breast cancer — here are the symptoms to watch for
While breast cancer is usually considered a disease that only affects women, anyone with breast cells and tissue can be diagnosed with breast cancer, males included. Even so, male breast cancer is rare.
"This isn't a disease that's 'just for women.' Patients often don't realize this which can, unfortunately, lead to delays in diagnosis," says Abisola Olulade, MD, a family medicine physician at Sharp Rees-Stealy Downtown in San Diego, California. "In the United States, male breast cancer represents between 0.5% and 1.0% of all breast cancers diagnosed each year. This means that about one out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man."
In this article we'll discuss the most common forms of male breast cancers, its symptoms, and potential risk factors.
What is male breast cancer?
Male breast cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast. Common forms of male breast cancer include:
Infiltrating (or invasive) breast carcinoma. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, there are two types of invasive breast cancer: Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma. IDC is the most common type of breast cancer in men, making up 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses. IDC develops in the breast duct and then proceeds to grow outside of the ducts and into other parts of the breast tissue. IDC can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
Invasive lobular carcinoma. This type of breast cancer begins in the lobules (i.e. the glands that produce milk) and can spread to other areas of the body. Invasive lobular carcinoma is extremely rare in men.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Also referred to as "intraductal carcinoma," ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a disease that may lead to breast cancer. DCIS occurs when cancer cells develop in the lining of the ducts but have yet to spread to other tissues in the breast. DCIS can be treated via radiation therapy or surgery.
Unfortunately, doctors are still unsure of the exact causes of breast cancer, though genetics and increased levels of estrogen may be risk factors.
In particular, increased estrogen is associated with conditions like liver disease, obesity, and certain hormone therapies like anti-androgen therapy, says Monisha Bhanote, MD, a triple board-certified physician and cytopathology specialist in Jacksonville Beach, FL. where she runs her own private practice.
"Hereditary causes may include BRCA2 mutation carriers, PTEN mutation (Cowden syndrome), and CHEK2 mutationcarriers," says Bhanote
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2) are genes that are related to breast cancer risk. While everyone has both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, some people inherit a gene mutation in one or both of these genes. This mutation increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
"Men with BRCA mutations are recommended to have annual screening," says Bhanote. "Examination for any masses, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling/puckering on a daily basis will
be helpful."
Additional factors that may increase a person's risk are medications such as antidepressants, marijuana, and radiation from cancer treatment.
Male breast cancer spreads in the same way that female breast cancer spreads, through the lymphatics and blood vessels. An estimated 520 men will die from breast cancer this year.
What are the symptoms of male breast cancer?
Signs and symptoms of male breast cancer can include:
Lump or swelling under the nipple (often painless, but not always)
Nipple discharge
Rash or redness of nipples
Inversion of the nipples
Nipple ulceration (late sign)
While finding a lump on one or both of your breasts can be alarming, finding a lump doesn't necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. It could be gynecomastia or enlarged breast tissue.