Breast Cancer Tests that examine the breasts are used to detect (find) and diagnose breast cancer in men.
A doctor should be seen if changes in the breasts are noticed. Typically, men with breast cancer have lumps that can be felt. A biopsy can be done to check for cancer. The following are different types of biopsies:
Needle biopsy: The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid, using a thin needle. This procedure is also called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Core biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or suspicious tissue using a wide needle.
Excisional biopsy: The removal of an entire lump or suspicious tissue.
After the tissue or fluid has been removed, a pathologist views it under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
Survival for men with breast cancer is similar to survival for women with breast cancer.
Survival for men with breast cancer is similar to that for women with breast cancer when their stage at diagnosis is the same. Breast cancer in men, however, is often diagnosed at a later stage. Cancer found at a later stage may be less likely to be cured.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
The stage of the cancer (whether it is in the breast only or has spread to other places in the body).
The type of breast cancer.
Certain characteristics of the cancer cells.
Whether the cancer is found in the other breast.
The patient’s age and general health.