Male breast cancer

Breast cancer most commonly affects women, however, in rare cases men can also be affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer in men occurs in the very small amount of breast tissue men have, which is found directly behind their nipples.

A concerned man

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of male breast cancer may include:

  • A lump in the breast
  • A lingering rash around the nipple
  • The nipple turns inwards
  • Nipple discharge
  • Small bumps in the armpit

 

Causes

Although the precise cause of breast cancer in men is unknown, there are some factors which can increase the possibility of developing it such as:

  • Genetic history - It is believed that inheriting defective versions of certain genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Obesity, Klinefelter syndrome and other conditions that can lead to increased oestrogen levels.
  • Previous radiotherapy treatment on the chest.

 

Diagnosis

The following tests can be used to achieve diagnosis of breast cancer in men:

  • Ultrasound scan
  • Mammogram
  • Biopsy

 

Treatment

There are a number of treatment options for breast cancer in men, the most suitable one for each case depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include:

  • Mastectomy - Surgery to remove the cancerous breast and armpit tissue.
  • Chemotherapy - Specialist cancer medicine that kills cancerous cells.
  • Radiotherapy - Radiation used to kill cancerous cells.
  • Medicine - There are some forms of medication which can help stop breast cancer growing such as tamoxifen and trastuzumab.
 10-18-2023
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Male breast cancer

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Dr Shiroma De Silva-Minor - Clinical oncology

Created on: 10-20-2020

Updated on: 10-18-2023

Edited by: Conor Dunworth

Breast cancer most commonly affects women, however, in rare cases men can also be affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer in men occurs in the very small amount of breast tissue men have, which is found directly behind their nipples.

A concerned man

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of male breast cancer may include:

  • A lump in the breast
  • A lingering rash around the nipple
  • The nipple turns inwards
  • Nipple discharge
  • Small bumps in the armpit

 

Causes

Although the precise cause of breast cancer in men is unknown, there are some factors which can increase the possibility of developing it such as:

  • Genetic history - It is believed that inheriting defective versions of certain genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Obesity, Klinefelter syndrome and other conditions that can lead to increased oestrogen levels.
  • Previous radiotherapy treatment on the chest.

 

Diagnosis

The following tests can be used to achieve diagnosis of breast cancer in men:

  • Ultrasound scan
  • Mammogram
  • Biopsy

 

Treatment

There are a number of treatment options for breast cancer in men, the most suitable one for each case depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include:

  • Mastectomy - Surgery to remove the cancerous breast and armpit tissue.
  • Chemotherapy - Specialist cancer medicine that kills cancerous cells.
  • Radiotherapy - Radiation used to kill cancerous cells.
  • Medicine - There are some forms of medication which can help stop breast cancer growing such as tamoxifen and trastuzumab.
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