Well I am sure it’s a news for many, “male can also be affected by breast cancer”. Male contain certain amount of non functioning breast tissue. They are located beneath the nipple. The uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast tissue is the cause for breast cancer.
The incidence is nearly 1 percent of all cancer in male. In India 8/1200 (0.7%) breast cancer patients are male. Though the incidence is low as compared to women but the incidence is increasing. The common age of presentation is sixties and seventies.
Risk Factors for male Breast Cancer:
- Lifelong exposure to increased estrogen and reduced Androgen
- Testicular Injury
- Cirrhosis of Liver
- Chronic Alchoholism
- Obesity
- H/O mumps Orchitis
- Undescended Testes
- Klinefilter’s Syndrome
- Feminism (Genetic /Environmental )
- Family History of Breast Cancer with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation.
The pathology of male breast cancer is similar to female.
Signs and Symptoms of Male breast cancer:
- Detection of pain less lump beneath the nipple during self palpation (Examination)
- Nipple discharge, Nipple Retraction
- Ulceration of skin of Ulcer
Diagnosis of Male Breast cancer:
- Clinical breast examination by a Clinician (Preferably an Oncologist)
- Ultrasound
- Mammography
- Fine needle aspiration and Cytology(FNAC)
- Needle Biopsy / Excisional Biopsy
Male breast cancer carries the same risk factors as the female. They are in fact more aggressive. The treatment course is similar consisting of a comprehensive approach of Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and Hormone therapy (If Hormone receptors are positive), Targeted therapy if Her2Neu positive. They can also recur after treatment and also may present with metastases.
How does Male breast cancer differ from Female breast cancer?
- Easier to find in men because of small size
- Lack of awareness postpone seeking medical attention
- Ususaly less contained in male do not have to travel too far to infiltrate skin, nipple and muscle tissue hence they present in advanced condition
As the 3rd week of October is called as male breast cancer awareness week I take this opportunity to write this short tutorial in order to educate all my friends. Plz feel free to give your opinion.
