What is male breast cancer?
It is a type of cancer which develops in the tissues of a man’s breast. Generally, breast cancer is a disease which is more common in women; however, breast cancer occurs in men as well.
Male breast cancer mostly strikes the older men, but it can occur in males regardless of any age. Diagnosis of breast cancer at an early stage can greatly help a man cure this life-threatening disease. If diagnosed at an advanced stage, male breast cancer can turn fatal and difficult to treat.
What are the symptoms of male breast cancer?
Few common symptoms include:
- Thickening or lump in the tissues of breast, which is mostly painless.
- Discharge from the nipples (bloody or clear).
- Nipple changes for example scaling or redness or an inward turning nipple.
- Changes in the skin surrounding the breast for example scaling, redness, puckering or dimpling.
- Sores in areola and nipples.
- Nipple pain.
What causes male breast cancer?
What exactly causes male breast cancer is unknown till date, however doctors believe that it occurs when few cells of the breast starts growing in an abnormal manner. Such cells then divide quickly, comparatively to the healthy cells. Building up of cells then forms a tumor which spread to the close by tissues, more specifically to the lymph nodes or other body parts.
In case your father had male breast cancer, than you are more likely to inherit the mutated genes.
What are the risk factors of male breast cancer?
You are more likely to develop male breast cancer if:
- You are an older adult.
- Breast cancer runs in your family.
- Liver disease.
- Obesity.
- Radiation exposure.
How is male breast cancer diagnosed?
In case your doctor doubts breast cancer, than he or she is more likely to perform the following procedures and tests:
- Clinical breast exam.
- Mammogram.
- Ultrasound.
- Biopsy.
In case breast cancer is diagnosed, the doctor will now take steps to determine what stage of cancer you are suffering from. This will help him or her decide the treatment plan for your case. Thus, staging tests tend to include:
- Imaging tests: CT scan and X-ray.
- Blood tests.
How is male breast cancer treated?
While deciding the treatment plan for your case, your doctor will consider certain factors including your preferences, overall health and cancer’s stage. Few treatment options for male breast cancer include:
- Surgery.
- Radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Hormone therapy.
Prevention:
In order to reduce the chances of developing male breast cancer, one must:
- Quit alcohol or consume in moderation.
- Healthy weight is very important.
- Exercise regularly for at least 25 minutes a day.
- Consume a diet full of vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid harsh chemical exposure as much as you can.
*In case you observe any unusual symptom, immediately consult your doctor, prompt treatment can greatly help curing breast cancer!
Related Articles:
Anal Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Breast Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Bladder Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Skin Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Lung Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Liver Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
By : Natural Health News
