Most people consider breast cancer to be exclusive to the female population, but this isn't necessarily the case, as there are a number of men who have been diagnosed with and treated for this disease each year. Though the signs and symptoms may not be drastically different between men and women, there are a few key factors you should keep in mind, just to be on the safe side.
Identification
The most common sign and symptom of male breast cancer would be lumps in the tissue of the chest. But, since no two men are alike, you may also find an inversion of one or both of the nipples as well as a possible discharge secreting from this same area. This discharge may appear to be clear or milky, yet may sometimes contain traces of blood. Some men have also suffered a pain in the area of the chest. This isn't like the pain you may encounter from heartburn or indigestion, it is more like an almost "pulling sensation" in the tissue of the chest.
Features
While breast cancer in men is relatively rare, it does make up almost 1 percent of breast cancer diagnosis each year. Typically, it will be found in men between the ages of 60 and 70, but it can occur in a man at any age. If treated early, a man's chances of survival are just as good as that of a woman, yet most cases of breast cancer in men are detected in the later stages, decreasing the chances of survival.
Function
If there is the potential of breast cancer, the man will generally need to go through a biopsy of the infected tissue. When cancer cells are present, the modes of treatment are virtually the same as for women, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy (blocking the hormones needed for the cancer to grow) and biological therapy (administration of a drug to stop the proteins that "feed" the cancer cells, enabling them to grow). The actual course of treatment will differ from man to man, but commonly he will go through surgery (mastectomy) followed by radiation, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.
Significance
Though this type of breast cancer is rare (as already mentioned), there are a few factors that may increase a man's risk. Some of the most common are that of radiation exposure and heredity, meaning that your chances increase with the number of relatives (usually women) suffering from breast cancer. You may also increase your risk if you are administering estrogen into your system, suffering from cirrhosis or heavy alcohol drinker, for lack of a better word.
Expert Insight
If you experience any of the purported signs or symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. While it may not end up being breast cancer, as it is rare, it may be another health-related issue that can be treated by a medical professional. It is always best to weigh on the side of safety. Don't let pride get in the way of a proper diagnosis.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, breast cancer rare, cancer cells, cancer rare, chances survival