Types of Male Breast Cancer
Male breast cancer can develop in different parts of the breast tissue, and the type affects both prognosis and treatment planning. The most common types include:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): IDC is the most common type of male breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts and spreads to surrounding tissue.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DICS): DCIS is an early, non-invasive form of breast cancer where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not spread to nearby tissue.
- Lobular cancer: Lobular cancer begins in the lobules, the glands that produce milk in women. This is a less common type in men, since they have very little lobular tissue.
- Paget disease of the nipple: This is a rare form of breast cancer that involves the skin of the nipple and areola, often appearing alongside an underlying tumor.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): IBC is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that causes the breast to appear red, swollen and warm rather than presenting as a distinct lump.
- Metastatic male breast cancer: Metastatic breast cancer is a type that spreads beyond the breast tissue and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, like the bones, liver or lungs.
Risk Factors Found in Men With Breast Cancer
- Age: The risk of male breast cancer increases as a person ages. Most men are diagnosed at ages 60 and older.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight can increase estrogen levels in the body, which can contribute to developing male breast cancer. This is one of the most modifiable risk factors for male breast cancer. This is one of the most modifiable risk factors for male breast cancer.
- Family history: Having a parent, sibling or child of either sex who has experienced breast cancer puts people at greater risk. A family history of breast cancer, particularly in combination with a known genetic mutation, may also support the case for genetic testing.
- Genes: Certain gene mutations can put people at risk of developing male breast cancer. Changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are strongly associated with breast cancer. Mutations to the PTEN gene (Cowden syndrome), TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome) and MMR gene (Lynch syndrome) may also increase risk, although less commonly compared to the BRCA mutations.
- Klinefelter syndrome: This condition, where men inherit an extra copy of the X chromosome, can lead to issues with how the testicles develop. It can affect the balance of estrogen and androgen hormones, which can lead to breast cancer in men.
- Liver disease: Certain liver conditions, including cirrhosis, can affect the body’s hormone levels. Increased estrogen in the body due to a liver condition can increase the risk of male breast cancer.
- Hormone therapy: Estrogen-related medications used in treating certain health conditions, such as prostate cancer, may increase male breast cancer risk.
- Testicle-related condition or surgery: Conditions that affectaffect the testicles, including orchitis, or inflamed testicles, undescended testicles, or having surgery to remove the testicles can increase the risk of male breast cancer.
- Radiation exposure: Prior radiation treatment to the chest, such as for a previous cancer diagnosis, can increase the risk of developing male breast cancer later in life.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men
Early detection matters. Finding male breast cancer early can provide access to more treatment options and help improve the chances treatments will be successful. While breast cancer screening begins at age 40 for women with average risk, this isn’t a recommended men’s health screening due to how rare the condition is in men.
Some men may be unaware that they’re even at risk for breast cancer, as the condition is so strongly associated with women. Since most men don’t perform breast self-exams and can miss the first sign of male breast cancer, usually a lump that feels like a small knot, it’s important that men talk with their primary care providers about any changes to their chest.
The most common signs of male breast cancer include:
Lumps or Thickening Skin
A firm lump or area of thickened tissue felt in the breast, chest wall or armpit near the lymph nodes is usually the first noticeable sign of male breast cancer.
Nipple Changes
Changes to the nipple or areola are common warning signs, including nipple discharge, nipple retraction (the nipple turning inward) or a change in nipple color. In rare cases, these changes can be a sign of Paget disease of the nipple.
Skin Changes
Dimpling, puckering or irritation of the skin over the breast can signal an underlying tumor pulling on the surrounding tissue.
Changes in Chest Size or Pain
A noticeable change in the size of one side of the chest, or pain and soreness in the breast area can also occur, though many male breast cancers are painless in their early stages.
How Is Male Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Several tests are completed to diagnose and stage male breast cancer. Providers will order tests that will best address a person’s unique situation.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a test that looks for cancer cells in your tissue. During a biopsy procedure, tissue is removed from the breast via a needle. The tissue sample is sent to a lab to be more closely examined. A biopsy sample also can be used to stage how aggressive the cancer may be and analyze the receptor status to help plan targeted treatments.Breast Exam
A clinical breast exam will be completed to help your doctors understand any changes in your breast. During the breast exam, providers look for lumps, assessing their size, feel and location.
Mammogram & Other Imaging
A variety of tests may be used in the diagnosis of male breast cancer. The most common is the mammogram, an X-ray that creates an image of the inside of the breast. Ultrasound may also be used, which takes an image using sound waves. Magnetic resource imaging (MRI) is often used to help detect cancer in those with denser breast tissue.
Treatment Options for Male Breast Cancer
There are several types of treatment that can be used for male breast cancer. Your care team will work with you to create a plan that addresses the cancer’s stage, your current health and your individual needs.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, often called chemo, is a type of medication that targets and destroys cancer cells. It is often used along with radiation.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy
Male breast cancer is often hormone receptor positive, meaning that the cancer relies on certain hormones to grow. This also means that hormone therapy may help slow cancer growth and may be used as a treatment to prevent recurrence after surgery.
Lumpectomy
The cancerous lump and some healthy tissue that surrounds the lump are removed during this type of surgery. Lumpectomy is also called breast-conserving surgery. It is used less often in men since male breast cancer often grows behind or into the nipple.
Mastectomy
This is the most commonly used surgery for male breast cancer since men have such little breast tissue. In this procedure, the affected breast and tissues are removed. Depending on the situation, the underarm lymph nodes, chest wall muscles or both may be removed along with the breast during a mastectomy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation, also called radiotherapy, is a treatment that uses high doses of radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells. Radiation for male breast cancer is often used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that may still exist.
Targeted Therapy
These types of medicines target specific features of cancer cells. If applicable, targeted therapy for male breast cancer focuses on the growth-promoting hormone, HER2. This type of treatment may be used after surgery, or as an additional option if the cancer spreads to other areas.
Clinical Trials
For men with advanced, invasive breast cancer or metastatic male breast cancer, clinical trials may offer access to new treatments not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial is a good fit for your diagnosis.
Support for Men With Breast Cancer
Mental health and psychological care is an important part of any treatment plan. A breast cancer diagnosis can be difficult for men, especially since it may be hard to find peers who have had a similar experience. Houston Methodist offers a Breast Cancer Support Group that is open to both men and women, so they can get emotional and spiritual support from peers facing the same journey.
Why Choose Houston Methodist as Your Cancer Care Provider
Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center is where innovation meets personalized treatment — offering compassionate, expert cancer care. Our breast cancer specialists employ some of the most advanced, cutting-edge techniques in the country.
At Houston Methodist, you're not just a patient — you're part of a family united in the fight against breast cancer. You can trust our team to provide top-tier medical care and unwavering support every step of the way.