General Information about Male Breast Cancer
Key Points for This Section
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Male breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer)
cells form in the tissues of the breast.
Breast cancer may occur in
men. Men at any age may develop breast cancer, but it is usually detected
(found) in men between 60 and 70 years of age. Male breast cancer makes up less
than 1% of all cases of breast cancer.
The following types of breast cancer are found in men:
Lobular carcinoma in
situ (abnormal cells found in one of the lobes or sections of the breast),
which sometimes occurs in women, has not been seen in men.
Radiation exposure, high levels of estrogen, and a family
history of breast cancer can increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Risk factors for breast
cancer in men may include the following:
Male breast cancer is sometimes caused by inherited gene
mutations (changes).
The genes in cells carry the hereditary information that is received from a person’s parents. Hereditary breast cancer makes up approximately 5% to 10% of all breast cancer. Some altered genes related to breast cancer are more common in certain ethnic groups.
Men who have an altered gene related to breast cancer have an increased risk of developing this disease.
Tests have been developed that can detect altered genes. These genetic tests are sometimes done for members of families with a high risk of cancer. See the following PDQ summaries for more information:
Men with breast cancer usually have lumps that can be felt.
Lumps and other symptoms may be caused by male breast cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be seen if changes in the breasts are noticed.
Tests that examine the breasts are used to detect (find) and diagnose breast cancer in men.
The following tests and procedures may be used:
- Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. The following are different types of biopsies:
- Estrogen and progesterone receptor test: A test to measure the amount of estrogen and progesterone (hormones) receptors in cancer tissue. If cancer is found in the breast, tissue from the tumor is checked in the laboratory to find out whether estrogen and progesterone could affect the way cancer grows. The test results show whether hormone therapy may stop the cancer from growing.
- HER2 test: A test to measure the amount of HER2 in cancer tissue. HER2 is a growth factor protein that sends growth signals to cells.
When cancer forms, the cells may make too much of the protein, causing more cancer cells to grow. If cancer is found in the breast, tissue from the tumor is checked in the laboratory to find out if there is too much HER2 in the cells. The test results show whether monoclonal antibody therapy may stop the cancer from growing.
Survival for men with breast cancer is similar to survival for
women with breast cancer.
Survival for men with breast cancer is similar to that for women
with breast cancer when their stage at diagnosis is the same. Breast
cancer in men, however, is often diagnosed at a later stage. Cancer found at a
later stage may be less likely to be cured.
Certain factors affect prognosis
(chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on
the following:
- The stage
of the cancer (whether it is in the breast only or has spread to other places
in the body).
- The type of breast cancer.
- Estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor levels in the tumor tissue.
- Whether the cancer is also found in the other breast.
- The patient’s age
and general health.
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