Despite being more common in women, breast cancer in men exists and, therefore, must be clarified and raised awareness.
Despite being more common in women, breast cancer in men exists and, therefore, must be clarified and raised awareness.
According to research, of the 16,927 people who died due to breast cancer in Brazil, 203 were men. For diagnosis, a mammogram is performed, just like in women. It is recommended that the exam be carried out annually, but due to lack of information, many men do not undergo this procedure.
Typically, the disease manifests itself in men over 60 years of age. Furthermore, it tends to be more common in people whose family members have already had breast cancer (even if they are women).
Breast cancer in men
Although rare, studies indicate that 1% of breast cancer cases occur in Brazilian men. The diagnosis and results of mammography are usually easy and quick; due to the reduced size of breast tissue, which makes the lump easier to visualize.
In most cases, cancer in men is due to an inherited genetic mutation in the BRCA gene. Therefore, experts recommend that a molecular test be carried out if there is a lump in a man’s breast.
Symptoms
Among the most common symptoms is the appearance of a lump in the chest, it is necessary to pay attention to the armpits and, if any changes appear, see a doctor and have a breast exam.
Furthermore, other symptoms such as breast pain, nipple discharge, nipple retraction accompanied by bleeding and high estrogen levels may be the result of breast cancer.
Which patients are most likely to have male breast cancer?
Male patients with diseases such as cirrhosis, alcoholism and obesity are at greater risk of acquiring breast cancer, because liver disorders cause neoplasia (disorderly proliferation of cells in the body), thus forming an abnormal mass of tissue.
Causes of breast cancer in men
1 – Aging
Although it also occurs in younger people, breast cancer is much more common in older men. It is estimated that 90% of cases occur in patients over 60 years of age.
2 – Estrogen treatments
The auto estrogen level in the body is a primary factor of breast cancer in men. Therefore, people who use medications for treatments, such as sex change or prostate cancer, may increase their risk of getting breast cancer.
3 – Family History
According to studies, 20% of breast cancer cases in men come from those who have close relatives who have or have had the disease (even if they are female).
4 – Hereditary genetic mutations
Men with gene changes, BRCA2 and BRCA1, have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. Furthermore, changes in the CHEK2, PTEN and PALB2 genes may also be responsible for contracting the disease.
5 – Exposure to radiation
Patients who have already undergone radiotherapy to the chest wall are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Treatment
Due to the fact that men’s breasts are smaller, consequently, the nodules are also smaller, therefore, it is not possible to perform surgeries that remove only a part of the breast, but rather, that remove the entire nipple with the areola (total mastectomy) and the surgery axillary, which is the removal of one, or several, lymph nodes in the armpit.
In addition, common treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone blocking may also be necessary, depending on the size of the tumor and its biological characteristics.
Read also: Breast cancer, everything about the most common disease among women in the world.
Image sources: Agência Pará, Hoje em Dia, Tua Saúde, Istock, PebMed.
Sources: Accamargo, PebMed, Oncoguia.
