Cancer, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, is a malignant tumour of potentially unlimited growth that expands locally by invasion and systemically by metastasis.
Breast cancer in Males is rare, probably because attention is not paid to it or they do not seek medical attention when it occurs. It is usually advanced when detected in men. Breast in Males is usually small compared to their female counterparts because the hormone/chemical which helps breast tissue to grow is in smaller quantity in Men than Women.
Occasionally, breast enlargement may occur in Males due to the following:
- Excessive weight gain
- Medications like Cimetidine(Tagamet)-Anti-ulcer drugs), Methyldopa (Aldomet)-Antihypertensive)
- Use of Marijuana
- Heavy alcohol use
Likely symptoms to suspect breast cancer in Males are:
- Nipple pain
- Painless lump in the breast
- Nipple discharge which could be clear or bloody
- Inverted nipple
- Enlarged swelling under the armpit
Risk factors for developing Breast cancer in Males includes:
- Positive family history of Breast cancer
- Hormonal drugs ingestion
- Overweight
- Heavy Alcohol use
- Exposure to breakdown products of some pesticides (eg those that mimick oestrogen)
- Exposure to radiation before 30yrs of age
- Klinefelter’s syndrome – a condition in which sufferers have small testicles, long legs etc
Diagnosis
- Mammography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Biopsy of Breast tissue
- Examination of the nipple discharge
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
Treatment
This is provided based on the size, location and stage of the cancer. It includes:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal Therapy
