Types of Male Breast Cancer
All types of breast cancers found in women can affect men as well. Some common ones include:
Infiltrating (or Invasive) Breast Carcinoma
Two types of invasive breast cancer are there, including invasive ductal carcinoma or IDC and Invasive lobular carcinoma.
IDC, as the name implies, starts in the breast duct. It can invade the fatty tissue of the breast after breaking through the duct wall. There is a risk of cancer spreading to other body parts as well. This is the most common type of breast cancer seen in men.
On the other hand, invasive lobular carcinoma is quite rare in men. Originating in the lobules, this cancer, too, can spread to other parts of the body.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Ductal carcinoma in situ, which is also referred to as intraductal carcinoma and DCIS is pre-invasive cancer. The cancer cells remain in breast ducts, not invading the fatty tissue of the breasts or spreading to other areas of the body. This cancer is treatable via radiation therapy and surgery.
When a diagnosis of male breast cancer is made in someone, the treatment plan is decided based on his case and requirements by our team of physicians. The treatment options for male and female breast cancer are similar. Currently, a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy is used for treating breast cancer. The mode of treatment depends on the progress of the disease and the characteristics of the tumor. For instance, the hormone receptor status of the tumor is vital to determine whether hormone therapy will be useful in its treatment.
There are more chances of successful treatment if male breast cancer is detected at an early stage. Similar to the cases in women, a lump felt in
- Flattening or retraction of the nipple
- Inward growth of the nipple or nipple inversion
- Discharge from the nipple
- Scaling or redness on breast skin or nipple
These symptoms can also present in other conditions like infection. However, if you detect any changes in your breast, it is advisable to consult your doctor at the earliest.
One of the most common causes of a breast lump in men is gynecomastia, which is a noncancerous condition causing enlargement of breast glands. The condition is commonly seen in adolescent boys and elderly men and can be caused by medications as well. The symptoms of gynecomastia might be similar to male breast cancer. Still, there is no evidence that suggests that gynecomastia leads to an increased risk of development of breast cancer in males.
the breast is the most common symptom of cancer in males as well. The lump is usually painless. The person might also experience other symptoms including the likes of