Breast Cancer in Men

Know the symptoms of male breast cancer so you can find and treat it early.

Breast cancer isn’t just a woman’s disease. One out of every 100 breast cancer patients is male. It’s rare, but it happens.

You may feel embarrassed or sensitive about your breast cancer diagnosis. We understand that. That’s why we’ve made treating male breast cancer with compassion and experience an area of expertise.

Types of breast cancer in men

Breast cancer in men can develop in the ducts, the breast tissue, or the lymph nodes surrounding the breast. When breast cancer spreads to other areas of the body, we call that metastatic breast cancer.

Male breast cancer symptoms

Most men don’t regularly examine their chests — and their doctors may forget as well. Because of this, diagnoses of male breast cancer tend to come at a later stage of the disease. Don’t delay seeing your doctor if you notice one of these signs:

• A bump, lump, or swelling on or within the chest
• A nipple that becomes inverted
• Dimpled or puckered skin on the chest
• Discharge from the nipple
• Red, scaly, or flaking skin on the nipple or breast

Diagnosing male breast cancer

The doctor may conduct one or more screening or diagnostic tests:

• Biopsy: Removing a tissue sample for examination
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Using a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce an image of the breast and surrounding area
• Breast ultrasound: Using sound waves to produce an image of the breast
• Mammogram: Taking an X-ray of the breast tissue
• Nipple Discharge evaluation: Examining discharge from the nipple

Genetic testing for breast cancer

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer. Male and female family members can share these genes. We offer genetic testing and counseling to determine if you are a carrier of one of these genes. If you are, we’ll walk you through the options to reduce your risk.