My Breakthrough
Signs and symptoms
In general, a man does not have enough breast tissue to be felt or noticed.
Most of the breast tissue is concentrated in the area immediately behind the nipple and areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple). Male hormones (androgens) usually prevent breast growth in men.
The most common symptom for male breast cancer is a lump. In general, the lump is usually firm, not tender and just below the nipple area - although tumours can arise in other areas. Because the nipple can be very close to the tumour, changes to the appearance or direction of the nipple are common. Other common symptons include nipple discharge or ulceration.
As men don’t have much breast tissue it can be easier to feel or notice a small lump. However, because there isn’t a lot of breast tissue, a cancer does not need to grow very far to reach the skin, the muscles and the lymphatic system.
This means that although this cancer is generally smaller than a female breast cancer when detected, it is more likely to have spread beyond the breast before diagnosis. This is why it’s important for any man who finds a lump to go to his GP as soon as possible to get it checked.
It is important to recognise that most breast lumps in men are due to a condition called gynaecomastia. However, breast cancer, although rare, can occur in men.
Many men do not realise that they may be at risk from breast cancer. As a result they may ignore a lump, assuming it is due to an infection, or they may be too embarrassed to address something that they feel challenges their masculinity.
The most common symptom for male breast cancer is a lump. In general, the lump is usually firm, not tender and just below the nipple area - although tumours can arise in other areas. Because the nipple can be very close to the tumour, changes to the appearance or direction of the nipple are common. Other common symptons include nipple discharge or ulceration.
As men don’t have much breast tissue it can be easier to feel or notice a small lump. However, because there isn’t a lot of breast tissue, a cancer does not need to grow very far to reach the skin, the muscles and the lymphatic system.
This means that although this cancer is generally smaller than a female breast cancer when detected, it is more likely to have spread beyond the breast before diagnosis. This is why it’s important for any man who finds a lump to go to his GP as soon as possible to get it checked.
It is important to recognise that most breast lumps in men are due to a condition called gynaecomastia. However, breast cancer, although rare, can occur in men.
Many men do not realise that they may be at risk from breast cancer. As a result they may ignore a lump, assuming it is due to an infection, or they may be too embarrassed to address something that they feel challenges their masculinity.
Also within "Male breast cancer"
- Signs and symptoms
- Treatment
- Diagnosis
- Gynaecomastia
- Should I follow a healthy lifestyle?
- Risk Factors
