What is male breast cancer?

Male breast cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms in the breast tissue of men. Although men have a small amount of breast tissue compared to women, they can still develop breast cancer. Male breast cancer is most common in older men, typically over the age of 60, but it can occur at any age. Early detection is crucial, as early-stage breast cancer is more easily treated and has a better prognosis.

Causes and risk factors of male breast cancer

The exact cause of male breast cancer is not always known, but several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: The risk of male breast cancer increases with age, particularly in men over the age of 60.
• Hormonal imbalances: Elevated oestrogen levels, which can be caused by conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome or liver disease, may increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
• Family history and genetics: Men with a family history of breast cancer, particularly those with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, are at higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Radiation exposure: Men who have undergone radiation therapy to the chest area, for conditions such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, may be at increased risk.
• Obesity: Excess body fat can increase oestrogen levels, which in turn can raise the risk of breast cancer.
• Testicular conditions: A history of conditions affecting the testicles, such as undescended testicles, orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), or surgery to remove the testicles, may increase breast cancer risk.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in men.

Symptoms of male breast cancer

Early detection of male breast cancer is crucial for effective treatment. Common symptoms to watch for include:

• A lump in the breast: The most common symptom is a painless lump or thickening in the breast tissue. This lump is usually hard and immovable.
• Changes in the nipple: The nipple may become inverted, or there may be redness, scaling, or discharge (sometimes bloody).
• Changes in breast skin: The skin over the breast may become dimpled, puckered, or irritated.
• Swelling or lumps in the underarm area: Breast cancer can cause swelling in the lymph nodes under the arm.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment.

Diagnosing male breast cancer

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we use a range of diagnostic tools to confirm a diagnosis of male breast cancer. The diagnostic process may include:

• Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a thorough examination of the breast and surrounding areas to check for lumps or abnormalities.
• Mammography: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue that can help detect lumps or other suspicious areas.
• Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses sound waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue and can help differentiate between solid lumps and fluid-filled cysts.
• Biopsy: If a lump is found, a biopsy may be performed to remove a small sample of tissue for analysis. This helps determine whether the lump is cancerous and, if so, what type of breast cancer is present.

Treatment options for male breast cancer

The treatment for male breast cancer depends on the type, stage, and spread of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options include:

• Surgery:
  • Mastectomy: The most common surgery for male breast cancer is a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed if the cancer has spread.
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This procedure is often performed to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

• Radiotherapy: After surgery, radiotherapy may be used to target and destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast or chest wall.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and may be recommended if the cancer has spread beyond the breast or if there is a high risk of recurrence.
• Hormone therapy: If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, hormone therapy may be prescribed to block the effects of oestrogen and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
• Targeted therapy: In some cases, targeted therapies may be used to block specific proteins or pathways that contribute to the growth of cancer cells, particularly in cancers that are HER2-positive.

Recovery and follow-up care

Recovery from male breast cancer treatment varies depending on the type of treatment received. After surgery, patients may experience some pain, swelling, or tenderness in the chest area, which can be managed with pain relief. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.

Follow-up care is crucial to monitor for any signs of recurrence. This may involve regular physical exams, mammograms, and blood tests. Your doctor will provide you with a personalised follow-up plan based on your individual case.

Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we provide expert care for men diagnosed with breast cancer. When you choose Birmingham Breast Clinic, you benefit from:

• Experienced specialists: Our team of breast cancer specialists has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating male breast cancer.
• Personalised treatment plans: We create tailored treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs, taking into account the type and stage of cancer.
• Comprehensive support: From diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care, we offer full support at every step of your cancer journey.

Contact us

If you are concerned about male breast cancer or have noticed changes in your breast tissue, contact Birmingham Breast Clinic today to schedule a consultation. Our team of experts is here to provide the care and support you need.