What is Breast Cancer in Men?

Breast cancer is known to be a female-specific disease, but up to 1% of all breast cancers occur in men. There are 2 reasons why it is rare in men; breast tissue in men is less than women and men's hormonal structure is different from women.

Breast cancer is most common in men over the age of 60, and few men are aware of the disease and therefore are diagnosed later than women. For this reason, when cancer is diagnosed, the disease usually progresses and becomes more difficult to treat.

What are the signs of cancer in men?

The most common symptom is a mass in the breast tissue. Other symptoms include changes in the size, shape, or skin of the breast, changes in the appearance of the nipple, nipple discharge, breast ulcers, and hives on or around the nipple. Pain from breast cancer is rare in advanced stages.

Breast enlargement or tenderness in men is not usually a sign of cancer. A hormonal condition known as gynecomastia can also cause it. Gynecomastia is caused by an increase in the level of estrogen (female hormone) or a decrease in the level of androgen (male hormone) in the blood. However, if you notice any changes or lumps in your breast, you should contact your doctor immediately.

What are the causes of breast cancer?

Your risk of developing breast cancer increases if you have a close family member with a history of breast cancer.

A rare genetic disorder with high estrogen or low androgen levels, or also known as Klinefelter syndrome, increases the risk of cancer in men as well as in women. Another cause is exposure to radiation. Previous radiation treatments increase the risk of breast cancer.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

If breast cancer is suspected in men, a doctor should be consulted. To distinguish breast cancer from gynecomastia, a careful physical examination is performed and the patient's medical history is listened to. If a suspicious mass is found in the breast, the procedure is similar to examinations for women; breast ultrasound and/or mammography. After these tests, a needle biopsy will be performed when deemed necessary. Definitive diagnosis of breast cancer can only be made by histopathological examination.

How is breast cancer treated?

Treatment options vary depending on how far the cancer has progressed at the time of diagnosis. Lumpectomy (removal of the mass only) is usually not possible in men since there is very little tissue in the breast and the cancer is usually close to the nipple, and mastectomy, that is, removal of the entire breast, is performed. Close to the diseased area (for example, armpit)

lymph nodes are usually removed if the cancer has spread. Your specialist will then decide whether other treatments are needed, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy.

What are the complications?

The most common complication of breast cancer is the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Carcinogenic cells; It can spread to areas such as the lungs, bones, brain, liver, and lymph nodes.

Cancer treatment is most effective when the disease is detected early and before it has spread to other areas. That's why it's so important to see a doctor as soon as you notice a lump and other symptoms.

Prevention

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, early detection can prevent the cancer from spreading. It's important to know how your breasts look and feel when you touch them, especially if you have a genetic history of breast cancer. If you notice anything unusual, see a doctor.

A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of many diseases, including cancer. In addition, you should quit smoking, consume alcohol in moderation, consume low-fat, fibrous foods, vegetables and fruits in abundance. Regular exercise also helps to prevent cancer.