Male breast cancer is a relatively rare cancer in men that originates from the breast tissue. Most cases of male breast cancer develop in men who are 65 years of age, or over, although cases have been recorded in men aged who are between 20-90 years of age.
Normally, men will experience smaller tumor size and absence or paucity of local lymph node involvement. Hormonal treatment may be associated with hot flashes and impotence. The most common symptom of male breast cancer is the appearance of a lump in the breast. In most cases, the lump will be painless. Less common symptoms of male breast cancer usually affect the nipple. Such symptoms include nipple retraction, ulceration and discharge, where fluid begins to leak from the nipple. If the cancer spreads additional symptoms may include breast pain, bone pain, and swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) near the breast, usually in or around, the armpit.
Risk Factors
- About 85% of breast cancers in men have estrogen receptors on their cell membranes. Estrogen receptors on the cell membranes allow estrogen molecules to bind to the cancer cells. Estrogen binding to the cancer cells stimulates cell growth and multiplication.
- Klinefelter's syndrome is a major risk factor for male breast cancer because men with the condition are 20 times more likely to develop male breast cancer than the male population at large. Klinefelter's syndrome is where baby boys are born with much higher levels of estrogen than normal.
- A number of mutated genes have been linked to an increase risk of male breast cancer. For example, a mutation known as the BRAC2 mutation has been found in an estimated 5% of men with male breast cancer.
- There is also evidence that male breast cancer can run in families, as 1 in 5 men who develop breast cancer, have a first-degree male relative, such as a father, or brother, who also has a history of breast cancer.
Typically self-examination leads to the detection of a lump in the breast which requires further investigation (Biopsy, ultrasound and mammography). Early detection can help prevent the spread of cancer. If there is a history of male breast cancer in the family, a person should check regularly for lumps and report any changes to a doctor as soon as possible.
Mastectomy can be performed to treat breast cancer in males. In this procedure, a surgery is performed to remove the entire breast tissues in order to treat breast cancer. To know more about mastectomy, click here: http://www.medhalt.com/cheap-mastectomy-overseas/