Signs And Symptoms Of Male Breast Cancer

March 18, 2010 - PRLog -- Male breast cancer is a cancer that occurs in the breast tissue of men. Breast cancer is often viewed as a woman’s disease. However, male breast cancer does occur to a significant extent. It is important to know the symptoms of male breast cancer. The disease is more pronounced in elderly men. However, it can occur at any age.

Men diagnosed with male breast cancer are at a good chance for cure if it is detected at an early stage. The symptoms of male breast cancer must not be ignored. A breast lump is the most common symptom. Most cases are diagnosed when the disease has reached an advanced state.

The following are some of the symptoms of male breast cancer:

A lump that is painless in nature
Thickening of the breast tissue
The skin covering the breast undergoes dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling.
Nipple may turn inward. Redness and scaling is also possible.
Discharge from the nipple

Consult a doctor if signs and symptoms persist.

The causes of male breast cancer are not very clear. Breast cells that grow abnormally are an indicator for male breast cancer. These cells tend to divide more quickly than healthy cells. The cells that accumulate form a tumor that may spread to a nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or other body parts.

All individuals are born with a certain amount of breast tissue. The tissue is comprised of lobules, which are milk-producing glands. The lobules are ducts that transport milk to the nipples. Women develop much more breast tissue during puberty in comparison with men. Men can develop breast cancer due to a small presence of breast tissue.

The following are the types of breast cancer in men:

1.   Cancer of the milk ducts: Ductal carcinoma is the most common form of male breast cancer. Almost all male breast cancers originate in the breast ducts.
2.   Cancer of the milk-producing glands: Lobular carcinoma is not a common characteristic in men as they have few lobules in the breast tissue.
3.   Cancer that spreads to the nipple: In some instances, breast cancer can originate in the ducts but spread to the nipples. This can cause scaly skin around the nipple. This is also known as Paget’s disease.

Genes that increase the risk of breast cancer

In some cases, men inherit genetic mutations from their parents, which increase the risk of breast cancer. A mutation in a specific gene known as BRCA2 can increase the risk of breast and prostrate cancer. Generally, this gene helps in prevention of cancer by the production of proteins that prevent cells from growing abnormally. However, once they undergo mutation their roles change.

The causes of male breast cancer are not very clear. Breast cells that grow abnormally are an indicator for male breast cancer.

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