About this topic
Cancer happens when normal cells in the body grow out of control. Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in your breast. Breast cancer happens most often in women. Breast cancer can also happen in men. The types of breast cancer found in men are the same as in women. The types may include cancer cells that grow: ‚
- In the breast ducts. Cancer in the breast duct is ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS.
- Through the duct walls and fatty tissue of the breast. Cancer through the duct walls and fatty tissue is infiltrating ductal carcinoma or IDC.
- In your breast lobes and do not spread. Nonspreading cancer in your breast lobes is lobular carcinoma in situ or LCIS.
- In the breast lobes and spread to the fatty tissues. Spreading cancer in your breast lobes is infiltrating lobular carcinoma.
- In the breast ducts that spread to the nipple and area around the nipple. Cancer in the breast duct that spreads to the nipple is Paget disease of the nipple.
- And cause the breast to become swollen, red, warm, and tender. Cancer that causes the previous signs is inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of breast cancer.
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know the exact cause of breast cancer. Breast cancer may be related to changes in hormones. Breast cancer may also have to do with changes in your genes. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are at a higher risk for breast cancer if you are over 70 years of age. Being overweight raises your risk. So does drinking too much beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). Where you work or how much radiation your chest is exposed to can raise your risk for cancer. If you are taking hormone therapy or have problems that affect your testicles you are at a higher risk. ‚
What are the main signs?
- A lump in the chest area
- Swelling of all, or part of, the breast
- Breast pain
- Nipple pain or nipple turning inward
- Red, scaly, or thickened nipple or breast skin
- Discharge from the nipple
- A lump in the armpit
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will feel your breast and armpits for lumps or swelling. The doctor will look at your breast for changes in the skin or nipple. The doctor will pay careful attention to any dimples or areas that do not look normal. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- Ultrasound
- Mammogram
- Breast biopsy
- MRI scan
- Liver scan
- Bone scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your treatment will be based on the type of cancer cells that are found. Treatment will also be based on the size and if the tumor has spread. Your treatment may include surgery, radiation, or drugs called chemo. ‚
You may need surgery to: ‚
- Take out part or all of a gland with cancer
- Take out lymph nodes that have cancer cells
- Fix areas that may have been damaged with treatment
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Eat healthy foods. Proper nutrition and healthy eating will help you recover. Ask your dietician to help you make a balanced eating plan. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
- Stop smoking cigarettes.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) and caffeine.
- Physical activity or exercise can lower fatigue and weakness. Exercise builds up your energy and helps strengthen your body.
- Get lots of rest and sleep. Try to take naps if needed.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Kill cancer cells
- Control pain
- Prevent infection
- Help with side effects like upset stomach and throwing up
Will there be any other care needed?
You may need to have different kinds of therapy. Therapy may help you move the muscles in your arms and chest. Your doctor may also suggest you talk with a therapist about any worries or concerns. ‚
Helpful tips
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Join a support group. Support can help you understand and deal with your illness.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancerinmen/detailedguide/breast-cancer-in-men-what-is-breast-cancer-in-men ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malebreast/Patient ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-breast-male/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚