Is it possible men can get diagnosed with breast cancer like women

Is it possible men can get diagnosed with breast cancer like women?

July 21, 2020


A few months back, a 65-year old man was consulted for a swelling in the chest region. It was difficult for him to understand that he had breast cancer. Many patients are not aware of the fact that even men can get diagnosed with cancer. It is ideal for the person to visit the best cancer hospital in Ludhiana to get the best treatment plan and detailed information on what needs to be done.

Breast cancer in Male

Breast cancer in males is not a frequent issue. Studies have shown that only 0.2 percent of the malignancies are found in males whereas breast cancer in males is around 26 percent.

In India, this occurrence is lower. Due to the low clinical research clinics are not able to collect the desired information they need on the subject.

Increase in hormones

  • A rise in hormones gives rise to the development of secondary sexual intercourse and the breast size enlarges whereas in males it gives rise to male secondary problems and the breast increases in size and this results in major differentiation.
  • Male contains a small amount of estrogen which is the male-female sex hormone. A small amount of estrogen is not going to result in breast enlargement. If the estrogen production increases, then it can result in breast enlargement which is seen in females and this issue is referred to as gynecomastia.
  • Additionally, it can occur due to certain medications. The medications used for blood pressure, ulcers, migraine, heart failure, seizures, and the use of estrogen are given for prostate cancer. Gynecomastia problem is faced by adolescent boys in around 40 percent but it can go away with time.
  • With age, the hormonal balance changes, and the breast size increases. The accumulation of fat in overweight men can lead to breast enlargement but this is not true gynecomastia. However, this condition is not cancer.


Common features

Female and male breast cancer patients have the same features. The nodule or swelling in the breast without any pain is a common issue. There is a bloody discharge from the nipple, ulceration of the overlying skin, nodule presence in the armpit, or retraction of the nipple are some of the main features.

The tumor can quickly go beyond the breast and spread into the underlying skin and muscles. The male breast cancer investigation and diagnosis is done in the same manner as female patients. MRI, Ultrasound, and CT scans are useful. The treatment includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy.

In the advanced stage, the surgeon may have to perform an advanced radical procedure that takes the underlying muscles and skin grafting can be used to cover the resultant defect. For better results, multiple chemotherapeutic agents are used.