As far as the symptoms of male breast cancer are concerned, a specific cause has not been identified yet. Men are susceptible to breast cancer if there is a strong family history or the presence of an abnormal gene inherited from their parents.
What are the symptoms of male breast cancer?
When you find you that you are displaying certain signs and symptoms that show no signs of abating, it is important to consult your doctor.
Symptoms of male breast cancer include:
Causes of male breast cancer
A specific cause as to the occurrence of breast cancer in men has not been found. According to doctors, breast cancer in men occurs when certain cells in the breast divide faster than healthy cells.
These cells then assemble together and a tumor is formed, which spreads or metastasizes to the nearby tissue and follows the lymph nodes. Then, they spread to the remaining part of the body.
Both men and women have breast tissue in small quantities. The breast tissue has glands or globules which produce milk and ducts which transport the milk to the nipples and fat.
There is more breast tissue development in women than in men at the time of puberty. As the amount of breast tissue in men is little, there is a possibility of developing breast cancer.
Types of male breast cancer
Diagnosis of breast cancer in men falls into the following categories:
The risk factors of male breast cancer
Sometimes men are at a greater risk for cancer due to the inheritance of some abnormal or mutated genes that they get through their parents. When a gene, especially BRCA2, is mutated, men are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
It is, therefore, important to determine your family’s history of cancer and consult a doctor regarding the same. Never have second thoughts while consulting a medical professional to discuss something you are unsure about.
You might be referred to a genetic counselor who might suggest that you undergo genetic testing to determine whether your genes are involved in causing cancer.
How is male breast cancer diagnosed?
There are numerous tests and procedures to diagnose male breast cancer.
Breast cancer is treated with radiation therapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy.
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