Breast cancer can also affect men; know the symptoms

Although rare, the breast cancer can also affect men. The cases represent 1% of the total, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca).

The most recent data on deaths from the disease among the male population are from 2020, when 207 deaths of men from breast cancer were recorded in Brazil.

The disease is caused by the disordered multiplication of abnormal cells, forming a tumor that can invade the region of the chest wall or other organs, the so-called metastasis.

According to Inca, there are several types of breast cancer. Some develop quickly and some do not. Most cases respond well to treatment, especially when diagnosed and treated early.

Signs of male breast cancer

For the timely diagnosis of the disease, men should be aware of any signs of change in the breast region. Although men do not have developed breasts, just like women they have breast tissue, even if it is flat and small, and can develop the disease.

In men, the main signs of the disease are:

• skin retraction
• Appearance of lumps or nodules
• nipple discharge
• Enlarged lymph nodes, also called groin, in the armpits
• Redness in the chest area and itchiness

In the face of suspicious symptoms, medical attention should be sought for investigation. In addition to in-office evaluation, specific tests allow the diagnosis or rule out cancer.

Different types of breast cancer

There are several types of breast cancer. According to the Ministry of Health, among those that affect the male population, the main ones are:

ductal carcinoma in situ: in which cancer cells form in the ducts of the breast but do not invade or spread out of the breast.

Invasive ductal carcinoma: reaches the duct wall and develops through the tissue of the mammary gland. It can spread to other organs and account for 80% of tumors.

Invasive lobular carcinoma: grows in the breast lobe. It is the rarest type in men.

Paget’s Disease: starts in the breast ducts and causes nipple crusts, scales, itching, swelling, redness, and bleeding.

inflammatory breast cancer : it is very rare in men and consists of inflammation of the breast that causes swelling, redness and burning, as opposed to forming a lump.

Risk factors and treatment

The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood. However, some risk factors may increase the risk of developing the disease in this population.

• Change in the BRCA2 gene and family history of the disease
• Conditions that can increase the level of estrogen in the body, such as obesity, alcoholism, Klinefelter syndrome, and liver disease
• Prior radiotherapy to the chest area

The detection of a case of breast cancer in men highlights the need for evaluation of women in the family, due to the possibility of having a genetic mutation of BRCA (family of genes), which increases the risk of having the disease.

According to the Ministry of Health, because it is rare, breast cancer in men is usually approached according to the procedures indicated for women.

Treatment varies according to the evolution of the disease, the biological characteristics of the tumor and the health conditions of the patient. The prognosis also depends on the extent and characteristics of the cancer.

Treatment modalities for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.