Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer is significantly uncommon in men. The symptoms in men are similar to women, but men are not prone to get themselves checked hence, it goes undiagnosed. Men exhibiting any symptoms can seek guidance and medical help from Oncologists in Lahore.

What symptoms can help diagnose breast cancer in men?

The symptoms exhibited by men in Breast cancer are:

• Discharge from the nipple
• A lump in one of the breasts
• Inverted nipple
• Constant pain in nipples
• Change in the color of the breast
• Change in the skin color and redness on breasts
• Noticeably swollen lymph under the arms
• Soreness around areola

What are the different types of Breast cancer prevalent in men?

The different types of breast cancer that men may develop are:

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common breast cancer prevalent in males. It starts from the milk ducts and spreads to the tissue present in the breast. Moreover, it spread in lymph nodes that aids in spreading into different parts of the body.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

This type of cancer is rare and not life-threatening, and not invasive. It starts from the milk ducts and does not spread beyond the duct walls.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

It starts from milk-producing glands. It is rare for men to get Invasive lobular carcinoma as they don’t have many lobular tissues.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory Breast cancer is most of the time mistaken for breast infection. Cancer cells block lymph vessels that cause swelling in the breast skin.

Paget’s Disease

Cancer that develops under the nipple and areola refers to Paget’s disease. Reportedly, the condition is rare in men, but the symptoms involve redness and itchiness.

What factors influence Breast Cancer in men?

Role of Genetics

Breast cancer can be genetic. If someone from the family, including cousins and siblings, is diagnosed with breast cancer, the risk increases. 

Weight-related Issues

The fat tissues are responsible for generating estrogen. The release of this hormone due to excessive weight can lead to breast cancer.

Use of Drugs

Hormone-based medications correlated to a higher risk for developing breast cancer.

Klinefelter Syndrome

Men born with an extra X chromosome have less testosterone and more estrogen. Thus, they are at a higher risk for breast cancer.

Exposure to Radiation

The radiation to treat cancer of any sort near the chest can lead to breast cancer.

Liver Disease

Liver disease such as cirrhosis can be responsible for generating excessive estrogen in the body.  An increase in estrogen levels in the body directly correlates to breast cancer.

Excessive consumption of Alcohol

Alcohol can lead to breast cancer in men due to decreased generation of testosterone in the body.

What can men do to prevent breast cancer?

• Eradicate or reduce alcohol consumption
• Get in the habit of exercising daily to balance the hormones in the body
• Maintain weight according to the body mass index (BMI)

What are the treatments for breast cancer?

The treatment for both men and women suffering from breast cancer is the same.  Men exhibiting symptoms should contact an oncologist in Karachi for diagnosis and treatment.

The most commonly known treatments include:

Mastectomy

Mastectomy refers to the removal of the entire breast through surgery.

Radiation

After the surgery, the radiation treatment eliminates the chances of any cancer cells that may have missed out.

Chemotherapy

It is the primary treatment given to patients with severe damage. The cancer cell is killed by giving the patient either medications or injections.