Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsPaget DiseaseInflammatory CancerComplicationsWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Paget Disease
Inflammatory Cancer
Complications
When to Seek Medical Care
Male breast cancer symptoms are similar to female breast cancer symptoms. Watch out for changes such as lumps on or around the breast, nipple discharge, skin that flakes, dimples, or puckers, and a lump or swelling under the arm or near the collarbone.
Because male breast cancer is less common than female breast cancer, the symptoms are often ignored and diagnoses tend to happen during later stages of the disease.Thus, it’s important to see your healthcare provider right away if you notice any symptoms that could indicate breast cancer.
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Warning Signs of Male Breast Cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer are similar in men and women, but men are usually diagnosed with more advanced disease.One reason may be that men are less aware of the symptoms and tend to delay seeing a healthcare provider.
Breast Lump
The most common sign ofmale breast canceris alumpor swelling just under the nipple andareola.Less often, the lump is located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.Men have less breast tissue than women, so it may be easier to discover a lump.
Not all cancerous breast lumps are the same, but some common features include the following:
Nipple Changes
In men, symptoms involving thenippletend to occur earlier in the course of the disease than in women.These signs and symptoms can include:
Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge, which may be clear or tinged with blood, is a less common sign of breast cancer. Nipple discharge usually occurs along with other breast changes, though it may also occur as the only symptom.
Skin Changes
Changes to the skin on or near the breasts may include:
Size and Shape of the Breast
Breast cancer can also affect the size and shape of the breast.The breast may appear larger, misshapen, or sunken.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Breast cancer can spread tolymph nodesunder the arm or near the collarbone. Sometimes, you’ll noticeswollen lymph nodesbefore a breast tumor is large enough to be felt.
Signs of lymph node involvement include one or more lumps, general swelling, and tenderness.
Male breast cancer and ageSymptoms of male breast cancer can appear at any age, but the disease is more common in males between the ages of 60 and 70.
Male breast cancer and age
Symptoms of male breast cancer can appear at any age, but the disease is more common in males between the ages of 60 and 70.
Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastaticbreast cancer (breast cancer that has spread to other regions of the body) can put pressure on organs, blood vessels, and nerves. Symptoms may include:
Stages of Breast Cancer in MalesBreast cancer in men is staged the same way it is in women:Stage 0 describes very early-stage non-invasive cancer confined to the ducts.Stage I is early-stage cancer that has grown but is still only present in a small part of the breast.Stage II cancers are larger and may involve the lymph nodes.Stage III cancers have spread throughout the breast and into the lymph nodes.Stage IV cancers have spread to other parts of the body.
Stages of Breast Cancer in Males
Breast cancer in men is staged the same way it is in women:Stage 0 describes very early-stage non-invasive cancer confined to the ducts.Stage I is early-stage cancer that has grown but is still only present in a small part of the breast.Stage II cancers are larger and may involve the lymph nodes.Stage III cancers have spread throughout the breast and into the lymph nodes.Stage IV cancers have spread to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer in men is staged the same way it is in women:
Paget Disease of the Nipple
Paget disease of the nipple is a type of breast cancer that begins in the ducts and spreads to the nipple or areola. Paget disease of the nipple is more common in males than females, accounting for around 5% of male breast cancers.
Symptoms of this type of breast cancer may include:
What types of breast cancer affect men?
In men, the most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which develops in the breast ducts. Men can also get lobular carcinoma, which forms in the lobules, but this accounts for only around 1% of male breast cancers.These cancers may be invasive, meaning they have spread to other tissues, or non-invasive, meaning they have not spread to other tissues.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast canceris very rare in men.Symptoms are different from other types of breast cancer and could easily be mistaken for an infection. Rather than a lump, inflammatory breast cancer is likely to present with symptoms such as:
Risk factors for male breast cancerA family history of breast cancer or mutations inBRCA1 and BRCA2 genescan increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer. Other risk factors include a history ofradiation treatmentorhormone therapy,Klinefelter’s syndrome, conditions that affect thetesticles,liver disease, and overweight andobesity.
Risk factors for male breast cancer
A family history of breast cancer or mutations inBRCA1 and BRCA2 genescan increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer. Other risk factors include a history ofradiation treatmentorhormone therapy,Klinefelter’s syndrome, conditions that affect thetesticles,liver disease, and overweight andobesity.
There are serious complications that may affect males with breast cancer.
Seroma
Men have a higher risk ofseromaafter breast cancer surgery than women.Seroma is a buildup of fluid under the skin. While this usually clears up within a few weeks, it may increase the risk of developinglymphedema, painful swelling that can become chronic.
How survivable is male breast cancer?The overall survival rate for male breast cancer is lower than it is for female breast cancer. One study found that the 5-year survival rate for males is around 78%, compared to 86% for women.
How survivable is male breast cancer?
The overall survival rate for male breast cancer is lower than it is for female breast cancer. One study found that the 5-year survival rate for males is around 78%, compared to 86% for women.
Advanced Cancer
Research indicates that these factors are related to a poorer prognosis:
Black Men With Breast Cancer
The incidence rate of breast cancer is higher amongBlack menthan White men.Male breast cancer hasn’t been as well-studied as female breast cancer.
But some research suggests that when compared to White men, Black men are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and have a more advanced disease at diagnosis.
Overall survival is also lower in Black men compared to White, Hispanic, and Asian men.
Breast cancer in transgender menTransgender men who have not had gender-affirming chest surgery should follow the same screening guidelines as people who are assigned female at birth. If you are a transgender male, be sure to discuss breast cancer screening with your health provider.
Breast cancer in transgender men
Transgender men who have not had gender-affirming chest surgery should follow the same screening guidelines as people who are assigned female at birth. If you are a transgender male, be sure to discuss breast cancer screening with your health provider.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Symptoms of breast cancer can mimic those of other conditions, such asgynecomastiaorlipomas. Most breast lumps are benign, not cancerous.However, benign cysts, common in females, are not common in males.
Male breast cancer is rare, with an estimated 2,710 new cases in the United States in 2022.However, getting the proper treatment depends on getting the right diagnosis in a timely fashion. And breast cancer is easier to treat before it spreads. Here are some signs that you should consult with a healthcare provider:
Summary
Male breast cancer is rare, but men are more likely to get diagnosed with advanced disease. This may be due, at least in part, to a lack of awareness. The most common symptom is a lump on the chest, usually near the nipple.
25 Sources
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