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Breast cancer, a disease primarily affecting women, can also affect men due to their breast tissue's potential for malignancy. Less than 1% of occurrences of breast cancer in men's breast tissue are deadly, yet male breast tissues are not immune to this uncommon and dangerous health condition. Even though these tissues are less glandular, malignant cells can still grow there.
Synopsis
Understanding Male Breast Cancer
Male breast cancer is a rare disease that can affect males of any age and is influenced by risk factors such as age, family history, genetic mutations, and hormone-related conditions. It is a rare but significantly life-threatening health concern and presents symptoms like lumps, swelling, and nipple changes. These symptoms are similar to those of female breast cancer. However, men usually get affected later, compared to women. Diagnosis involves imaging and biopsy, and treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
Although rare, male breast cancer (MBC) can affect every 1 man in 833 men. It emphasises the importance of considering MBC in the differential diagnosis. Treatment outcomes often get impacted by ignorance, leading to delayed diagnoses. Men should get professional medical help right away if they see changes in their breast tissue or experience symptoms. A vital component of increasing survival rates and treatment efficacy is early identification.
Consult our cancer hospital in Sarjapur Road if you need male breast cancer treatment.
Misconception About Breast Cancer
Males can also develop breast cancer, and it is not just a female condition. Although treatment and early identification can improve results, breast cancer is not always lethal. Males may ignore breast lumps because they believe there is no risk.
Even though the risk factors for older people are higher, we cannot rule out the chances of breast cancer in younger males.
For males to receive early detection and support for breast cancer, it is essential to debunk stereotypes about the disease. Education and advocacy campaigns can also serve to raise public awareness and comprehension.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated with Male Breast Cancer?
It is vital to know the potential factors that can lead to male breast cancer, which include:
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Increased lifelong exposure to oestrogen or reduced androgen.
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Men with Klinefelter syndrome (XXY) are 14 to 50 times more prone to this disease.
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BRCA 1 or, particularly, a BRCA 2 mutation.
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Liver disorders, such as cirrhosis, chronic alcoholism, and schistosomiasis.
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History of mumps, orchitis, undescended testes, or testicular injury and feminisation, genetically or by environmental exposure.
However, gynecomastia alone doesn’t appear to be a risk factor.
An understanding of the potential factors that can lead to male breast cancer will help in taking preventive measures, as required.
What Are the Treatment Options Available?
Male and female breast cancers are treated similarly, albeit women's studies are frequently the source of the evidence. The type of malignancy, stage of malignancy, and patient condition - everything influences the treatment plan.
Surgery
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Mastectomy
Removal of the entire breast with the removal of the underlying pectoralis major muscle is often the primary surgical intervention for male breast cancer. This may involve removing lymph nodes under the arm (axillary dissection) depending on the extent of cancer spread.
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Lumpectomy (Breast conservation surgery)
Historically, males with breast cancer have undergone mastectomy more often than BCS. However, breast-conservation therapy is increasingly being performed in males and evolving data indicate that breast conservation in males is associated with equivalent outcomes to mastectomy and that it is safe and feasible. Decisions about breast conservation versus mastectomy in males should be made according to similar criteria as for females.
Removal of the tumour and a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving the rest of the breast.
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Axillary Lymph Node Surgery
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) should be performed in the setting of male breast cancer with a clinically node-negative axilla.
Radiation Therapy
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High-energy rays are utilised to target and eradicate cancer cells precisely. To reduce the chance of a local recurrence, radiation therapy is frequently used following surgery. The necessity of this procedure depends on different factors.
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Indications for radiation after breast surgery in males with breast cancer are the same as for females with breast cancer.
Chemotherapy
It involves the use of drugs to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, either before or after surgery.
Preoperative/Adjuvant Systemic Therapy
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Chemotherapy with/without HER2-targeted therapy can be recommended for male breast cancer. It can be given before surgery or after surgery, based on the stage of cancer.
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21-gene assay recurrence score provides prognostic information in males with breast cancer. It can be used to assess prognosis and to predict the benefit of chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer with low-risk features
Hormone Therapy
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If the cancer is hormone receptor-positive (meaning hormones fuel it), this therapy may be recommended. It involves blocking the effects of hormones like oestrogen.
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Options for adjuvant endocrine therapy for male breast cancer include tamoxifen for 5–10 years. If tamoxifen is contraindicated, a GnRH analogue plus an aromatase inhibitor can be implemented.
Targeted Therapy
Some specific drugs target specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as the HER2 protein. Targeted therapies are used if the tumour is Positive for the Her2 receptor. It can be given either before surgery or after surgery in combination with chemotherapy.
Other treatment options include:
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Genetic testing
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Breast-conservation therapy (BCS).
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Molecular Testing
Deciding on which procedure will be more suitable will depend on various factors. Consult an experienced oncologist for accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment options.
What Are the Preventive Measures for Male Breast Cancer?
Being aware of the precautionary measures can help you deal with the risk factors better.
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Awareness
Being aware of the possibility of male breast cancer is a crucial first step. Men should be informed that they can develop breast cancer. They must seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes in their breast tissue.
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Regular Self-Exams
Performing regular breast self-exams can help men become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breast tissue. Any changes, such as the development of a lump or swelling, should be promptly reported to a healthcare professional.
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Genetic Counselling and Testing
If there is a strong family history of breast cancer, especially in multiple generations, genetic counselling and testing for mutations in genes like BRCA2 may be considered.
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Healthy Lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being and may help reduce cancer risk. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and follow a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
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Early Detection and Screening
Regular healthcare check-ups and routine screenings, like mammograms, can help detect breast cancer early, especially for men with higher risk factors.
Conclusion
Awareness, early detection, and lifestyle modifications are the main focuses of male breast cancer prevention strategies. Consider speaking to a highly skilled oncologist at Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, to evaluate your risk factors and choose the best preventive measures for your particular health profile.
FAQ's
Reduced levels of androgens and increased levels of oestrogens can result from liver diseases like cirrhosis. Male breast cancer risk may be marginally elevated by low dosages of oestrogen-related medications used to treat prostate cancer.
Male breast cancer symptoms include lumps, swelling, nipple changes, skin dimpling, redness, and discharge. Men must understand their normal breast tissue and report any abnormalities promptly.
Any organ or tissue can be affected by cancer, and as it advances, it may travel to the brain. The primary treatment for males with stage IV breast cancer is systemic (drug) therapy. This could be hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or any combination of these treatments, depending on several variables.
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