BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuBreast cancer in menInfiltrating ductal carcinoma - male; Ductal carcinoma in situ - male; Intraductal carcinoma - male; Inflammatory breast cancer - male; Paget disease of the nipple - male; Breast cancer - maleBreast cancer is cancer that starts in breast tissue. Both males and females have breast tissue. This means that anyone, including men and boys, can develop breast cancer.CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast cancer in men is rare. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes The cause of breast cancer in men is not clear. But there are risk factors that make breast cancer more likely in men:Exposure to radiation Higher estrogen levels due to factors such as heavy alcohol use, cirrhosis, and obesity CirrhosisCirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ObesityObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heredity, such as a family history of breast cancer, having a variant BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, and certain genetic disorders, such as Klinefelter syndrome BRCA1 or BRCA2 geneThe BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test is a blood test that can tell you if you have a higher risk of getting cancer. The name BRCA comes from the first two ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Klinefelter syndromeKlinefelter syndrome, also called 47,XXY, is a genetic condition that occurs in males when they have an extra X chromosome. This can cause problems ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Excess breast tissue (gynecomastia) GynecomastiaWhen an abnormal amount of breast tissue develops in males, it is called gynecomastia. It is important to find out if the excess growth in the area ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Older age -- men are often diagnosed with breast cancer between ages 60 and 70 Symptoms Symptoms of breast cancer in men include:Lump or swelling in the breast tissue. One breast may be larger than the other. A small lump beneath the nipple. Unusual changes in the nipple or skin around the nipple such as redness, scaling, or puckering. Nipple discharge. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will take your medical history and family medical history. You will have a physical exam and a breast exam.Your provider may order other tests, including:A mammogram. MammogramA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast ultrasound. Breast ultrasoundBreast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An MRI of the breast. MRI of the breastA breast MRI scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and surrounding tissue. It does not...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If any of the tests suggest cancer, your provider will arrange a biopsy to check for cancer.BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If cancer is found, your provider will order other tests to find out:How it has spread What treatments might be best What are the chances that the cancer might come backThe tests may include:Bone scan Bone scanA bone scan is an imaging test used to diagnose bone diseases and find out how severe they are.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan CT scanA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scan PET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sentinel lymph node biopsy to check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodesSentinel lymph node biopsyA lymph node biopsy is the removal of lymph node tissue for examination under a microscope. The lymph nodes are small glands that make white blood ce...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The biopsy and other tests will be used to grade and stage the tumor. The results of those tests will help determine your treatment.Grade and stage the tumorOnce your health care team knows you have breast cancer, they will do more tests to stage it. Staging is a tool the team uses to find out how advanc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment options for breast cancer in men include:Surgery to remove the breast, lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over chest muscles, and chest muscles, if needed Radiation therapy after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and to target specific tumors Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body or to lower the risk of the cancer returning after surgery ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hormone therapy to block hormones that may help certain types of breast cancer grow During and after treatment, your provider may ask you to have more tests. This may include a repeat of tests you had to make the diagnosis. Support Groups Cancer affects how you feel about yourself and your life. You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have had the same experiences and problems can help you feel less alone. The group can also point you to helpful resources for managing your condition.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Ask your provider to help you find a support group of men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Outlook (Prognosis) The long-term outlook for men with breast cancer is excellent when the cancer is found and treated early. About 91% of men treated before the cancer has spread to other areas of the body are cancer-free after 5 years. Almost 3 out of 4 men treated for cancer that has spread to lymph nodes but not to other areas of the body are cancer-free at 5 years. Men who have cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body have a smaller chance of long-term survival. Possible Complications Complications include side effects from surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider right away if you notice something unusual about your breast, including any lumps, skin changes, or discharge. Prevention There is no clear way to prevent breast cancer in men. The best way to protect yourself is to:Know that men can develop breast cancer Know your risk factors and talk with your provider about screening and early detection with tests if needed Know the possible signs of breast cancer Tell your provider if you notice any changes in your breast Open ReferencesReferencesFarr DE, Gradishar WJ. Male breast cancer. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 67.Kimberg VS, Hunt KL. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.National Cancer Institute website. Male breast cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/male-breast-treatment-pdq. Updated January 31, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024.AllVideoImagesTogGynecomastia - illustration Gynecomastia is the development of prominent breast tissue in the male. The condition can develop during puberty and sometimes resolve on its own. Other causes of gynecomastia include exposure to estrogens, androgens (often taken secretly for body building), marijuana, and some medications. Rare causes include tumors, genetic defects, and chronic liver disease.GynecomastiaillustrationGynecomastia - illustration Gynecomastia is the development of prominent breast tissue in the male. The condition can develop during puberty and sometimes resolve on its own. Other causes of gynecomastia include exposure to estrogens, androgens (often taken secretly for body building), marijuana, and some medications. Rare causes include tumors, genetic defects, and chronic liver disease.GynecomastiaillustrationA Closer Look Breast cancer - InDepth(In-Depth)Breast cancer(Alt. Medicine)Prostate cancer - InDepth(In-Depth)Prostate cancer(Alt. Medicine)Colorectal cancer(Alt. Medicine)Related Information Review Date: 8/21/2024 Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Breast cancer in menInfiltrating ductal carcinoma - male; Ductal carcinoma in situ - male; Intraductal carcinoma - male; Inflammatory breast cancer - male; Paget disease of the nipple - male; Breast cancer - maleBreast cancer is cancer that starts in breast tissue. Both males and females have breast tissue. This means that anyone, including men and boys, can develop breast cancer.CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast cancer in men is rare. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes The cause of breast cancer in men is not clear. But there are risk factors that make breast cancer more likely in men:Exposure to radiation Higher estrogen levels due to factors such as heavy alcohol use, cirrhosis, and obesity CirrhosisCirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ObesityObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Heredity, such as a family history of breast cancer, having a variant BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, and certain genetic disorders, such as Klinefelter syndrome BRCA1 or BRCA2 geneThe BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test is a blood test that can tell you if you have a higher risk of getting cancer. The name BRCA comes from the first two ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Klinefelter syndromeKlinefelter syndrome, also called 47,XXY, is a genetic condition that occurs in males when they have an extra X chromosome. This can cause problems ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Excess breast tissue (gynecomastia) GynecomastiaWhen an abnormal amount of breast tissue develops in males, it is called gynecomastia. It is important to find out if the excess growth in the area ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Older age -- men are often diagnosed with breast cancer between ages 60 and 70 Symptoms Symptoms of breast cancer in men include:Lump or swelling in the breast tissue. One breast may be larger than the other. A small lump beneath the nipple. Unusual changes in the nipple or skin around the nipple such as redness, scaling, or puckering. Nipple discharge. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will take your medical history and family medical history. You will have a physical exam and a breast exam.Your provider may order other tests, including:A mammogram. MammogramA mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to evaluate some breast symptoms and to find breast cancer in women with no symptoms (cal...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Breast ultrasound. Breast ultrasoundBreast ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to examine the breasts.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An MRI of the breast. MRI of the breastA breast MRI scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and surrounding tissue. It does not...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If any of the tests suggest cancer, your provider will arrange a biopsy to check for cancer.BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If cancer is found, your provider will order other tests to find out:How it has spread What treatments might be best What are the chances that the cancer might come backThe tests may include:Bone scan Bone scanA bone scan is an imaging test used to diagnose bone diseases and find out how severe they are.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan CT scanA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scan PET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Sentinel lymph node biopsy to check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodesSentinel lymph node biopsyA lymph node biopsy is the removal of lymph node tissue for examination under a microscope. The lymph nodes are small glands that make white blood ce...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The biopsy and other tests will be used to grade and stage the tumor. The results of those tests will help determine your treatment.Grade and stage the tumorOnce your health care team knows you have breast cancer, they will do more tests to stage it. Staging is a tool the team uses to find out how advanc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment options for breast cancer in men include:Surgery to remove the breast, lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over chest muscles, and chest muscles, if needed Radiation therapy after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and to target specific tumors Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body or to lower the risk of the cancer returning after surgery ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hormone therapy to block hormones that may help certain types of breast cancer grow During and after treatment, your provider may ask you to have more tests. This may include a repeat of tests you had to make the diagnosis. Support Groups Cancer affects how you feel about yourself and your life. You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have had the same experiences and problems can help you feel less alone. The group can also point you to helpful resources for managing your condition.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Ask your provider to help you find a support group of men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Outlook (Prognosis) The long-term outlook for men with breast cancer is excellent when the cancer is found and treated early. About 91% of men treated before the cancer has spread to other areas of the body are cancer-free after 5 years. Almost 3 out of 4 men treated for cancer that has spread to lymph nodes but not to other areas of the body are cancer-free at 5 years. Men who have cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body have a smaller chance of long-term survival. Possible Complications Complications include side effects from surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider right away if you notice something unusual about your breast, including any lumps, skin changes, or discharge. Prevention There is no clear way to prevent breast cancer in men. The best way to protect yourself is to:Know that men can develop breast cancer Know your risk factors and talk with your provider about screening and early detection with tests if needed Know the possible signs of breast cancer Tell your provider if you notice any changes in your breast Open ReferencesReferencesFarr DE, Gradishar WJ. Male breast cancer. In: Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, Bland KI, Korourian S, White J, Copeland EM, eds. Bland and Copeland's The Breast. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 67.Kimberg VS, Hunt KL. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.National Cancer Institute website. Male breast cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/male-breast-treatment-pdq. Updated January 31, 2024. Accessed August 28, 2024.
