Oncologist Explains Everything About Breast Cancer In Men

Introduction

Breast cancer is thought of as a condition that affects women, but breast cancer can also occur in men. Male breast cancer is mainly seen in older men, but it can occur at any age. Men diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage have a higher chance of being cured, says the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata.

What are the symptoms of male breast cancer?

Signs of male breast cancer can include:

 

• A painless lump in the breast 
• Dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling on the skin covering your breast
• Transformations to your nipple, such as redness or scaling, or a nipple that begins to turn inward
• Discharge from the nipple

What causes breast cancer in men?

The exact cause of male breast cancer is unknown. However, according to the best oncologist in Kolkata male breast cancer occurs when unhealthy breast cells divide more rapidly than healthy ones. The unhealthy cells form a tumor that can spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.

What are the risk factors for male breast cancer?

Factors that raise the risk of male breast cancer include:

Older age

The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. Male breast cancer is mostly diagnosed in men in their 60s.

Exposure to estrogen

Men have an increased risk of breast cancer if they take estrogen-related drugs, such as those used for hormone therapy for prostate cancer.

Family history of breast cancer

If you have a family history of breast cancer then you have a greater chance of developing this condition.

Liver disease

Certain illnesses, such as cirrhosis of the liver, can reduce male hormones and increase female hormones, increasing your risk of breast cancer.

Obesity

Obesity is linked with higher estrogen levels in the body, which increases the risk of male breast cancer.

What can you do to lower your risk?

People who have family members with breast or ovarian cancer or a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, should consult a doctor to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer. Your doctor can refer you for genetic counselling. In men, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can raise the risk of breast cancer. If genetic testing indicates that you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, your doctor will give you suggestions about what you should do to find cancer early if you get it. All men can decrease their risk by maintaining a healthy weight and daily exercise.

What are the treatments available for male breast cancer?

Because of the small size of a male breast, typically the surgical procedure includes a mastectomy. Depending on the stage of breast cancer, some men who undergo a mastectomy can also have radiation therapy, says the best surgical oncologist in Kolkata.