SAEDNEWS: Breast cancer is often considered a female disease, but it can also occur in men. Men have small amounts of breast tissue, which, like in women, can undergo changes and lead to breast cancer formation.
According to SaedNews, the breast, commonly referred to as the mammary gland, consists of lobules (glands that produce milk in women), small tubes called ducts (which carry milk from the lobules to the nipple), and the stroma, which is composed of fatty and connective tissue that surrounds the lobules, ducts, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. In early life, the amount of breast tissue is almost equal in males and females. However, this changes with puberty when the female hormones produced by the ovaries cause the growth of female ducts, lobules, and stroma, whereas in males, the growth of these tissues is regulated. Men generally have ducts but very few lobules and fatty tissue.
The exact cause of breast cancer in men is not known. However, several risk factors can contribute to its development:
Age: Although young men can develop breast cancer, its incidence increases with age. The average age of men diagnosed with breast cancer is between 60 and 70 years.
Exposure to Estrogen: Increased levels of estrogen can also heighten this risk. This can occur if you have a genetic condition known as Klinefelter syndrome, are undergoing hormone therapy, or have conditions like liver cirrhosis or obesity.
Inflammation of the Testicles (Orchitis): There appears to be an increased risk associated with orchitis, as well as having close relatives who have had breast cancer or certain inherited gene mutations like BRCA2. The latter also raises the risk of prostate cancer.
Surgical Removal of the Testicles and Radiation Therapy: These factors also contribute to the increased risk.
The symptoms of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women. The most recognizable symptoms include:
A lump that can be seen or felt
Enlargement of the breast
Nipple pain
Nipple discharge
Sores on the nipple or areola
Changes in the shape of the nipple
Enlarged lymph nodes under the armpit
If one or more of these symptoms occur, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately.
There is a condition called gynecomastia, characterized by the growth of both breasts, which can be easily mistaken for breast cancer in men. However, this condition is unlikely to be cancerous and may be caused by weight gain, certain medications, marijuana use, or alcohol abuse. Nonetheless, if in doubt, it is always best to seek advice from your doctor.
Although early symptoms and signs can be present due to the lack of glandular tissue in men, the diagnosis is often delayed because patients underestimate the problem, often unaware that breast cancer can affect them as well.
To address this issue, the Breast Cancer Team at the Humanitas Cancer Center has launched an informational campaign, including a genetic counseling program to evaluate the presence of genetic mutations that might predispose individuals to this tumor (molecular structure analysis).
Treatment for breast cancer in men depends on the type and extent of the disease but generally includes:
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Drug Therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapy
