Gynecomastia Breast Cancer In Men

Men with Breasts

Breast Cancer In Men

Breast Cancer In Men

Primarily diagnosed and associated with women, breast cancer also rarely occurs in men. According to the (ACS), American Cancer Society, the number of new breast cancer cases in Men was approximately, 1,720 in 2006. This number looks small in comparison to the approximately, 212,920 new cases of breast Cancer in Women for 2006. Though the number of men with breast cancer is small, Dr. Corbin feels men should still be educated on the potential risks of the disease, especially men with Gynecomastia.

Breast Exams for Men

Generally, average men do not perform breast self-examinations to detect tumors in their breasts. Also routine breast exams are not performed on most men during a routine physical. Unlike women, men do not get regular mammograms. Consequently, in a small number of men a breast tumor may be present and go undiscovered.

Symptoms

Similar to breast disease in women, general BC symptoms include the presence of a breast lump that is usually small, firm and painless. Also, other symptoms may include changes in one or both nipples such as, discharge, crusting or a change in nipple shape. Most men who get breast cancer are often over the age of 60.

Risk Factors

According to the ACS web site, risk factors for male breast cancer may include:

Gynecomastia, or a natural enlargement of the male breast tissue
A family history of breast cancer: about one out of 5 men with breast cancer have had a close family member with breast disease
Age is a big factor: 65 is considered the average age of diagnosis for men with breast cancer
Prior radiation exposure to the chest area: usually from treatment of another type of cancer
Klinefelter's syndrome: a male disorder diagnosed by reduced or the absence of sperm production, enlarged breasts, and small testicles.
Liver disease: can lead to higher estrogen levels and gynecomastia
Hyperestrogenism: an estrogen treatment maybe given to treat prostate cancer or an abnormal secretion of estrogen in men.

Self Breast Exams After Gyno Surgery

Though most doctors usually don't recommend breast cancer detection exams for the average male population, Dr. Corbin may advise men with gynecomastia to perform periodic breast self-examinations to feel for any unusual lumps in the breasts. Even after Gynecomastia corrective surgery is performed Dr. Corbin still advises his patients on the importance of occasional self breast exams.

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