Male Breast Cancer

A breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it, too. Many people do not realize that men have breast tissue and that they can develop breast cancer. Male breast cancer is a relatively rare cancer in men that originates from the breast. As it presents a similar pathology as female breast cancer. Male breast cancer remains under diagnosed and, due to delays in diagnosis, is often also undertreated. The investigation and management of male breast cancer are based on studies on female patients. At present there is a need for further research into male breast cancer. The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for male breast cancer are all similar to female breast cancer.1 Cancer of the male breast accounts for about 1% of all malignancies in men and 1% of all breast cancers. Poor level of awareness often results in late presentation and delayed diagnosis in our environment. It is estimated that more than 90% of male breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive, and an even greater percentage are progesterone receptor-positive. Male breast cancer tissue may also be positive for androgen receptors.

Author(s): Bhavani Ramesh.T, Prem Kumar P, Sai Krishna G and K Vadivelu

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