Male Breast Cancer - Early Signs, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment Explained

Overview: What is Male Breast Cancer?

When most people think of breast cancer, they think women. However, men also have breast tissue, which means they can develop breast cancer too. Male breast cancer is rare — it accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 new cases are diagnosed in men in the U.S. each year.

Because it is so uncommon, many men do not realize they are at risk. This often leads to delayed diagnosis, when the cancer has already advanced. Early detection is crucial. Just like in women, breast cancer in men is treatable, and in many cases curable, if found at an early stage.

What Are the Types of Male Breast Cancer?

The types of breast cancer men develop are generally the same as in women. The main subtypes include:

• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most common type. It begins in the milk ducts (undeveloped and non-functional for milk production in men) and spreads to surrounding tissue.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Rare in men, since lobules (milk-producing glands) are less developed, but still possible.
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer limited to the milk ducts.
• Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare but aggressive type where the breast appears red, swollen, and warm.
• Paget’s disease of the nipple: A rare form where cancer cells collect in the nipple area.

What Are the Causes of Male Breast Cancer?

The exact cause of male breast cancer is not always clear. Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast grow out of control and form a lump or tumor. This can happen because of:

• Changes in the genes (either inherited or developed during life)
• Hormone imbalances
• Exposure to radiation and harmful chemicals

What Are the Risk Factors of Male Breast Cancer?

Some men face a higher risk of breast cancer due to lifestyle, genetic, medical, or environmental factors. These include:

• Age: Most cases occur in men over 60.
• Genetics: Inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes increase risk.
• Family history: Having immediate relatives with breast cancer.
• Hormonal imbalance: Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or liver disease can raise estrogen levels.
• Radiation exposure: Previous chest radiation treatment.
• Obesity: Increases estrogen levels in men.
• Alcohol use: Heavy drinking raises risk.

Note that not all men with these risk factors develop breast cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer?

Men should not ignore changes in their chest or nipple area. Common early warning signs include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast tissue (usually painless)
• Changes in the skin over the breast, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness
• Nipple changes, such as inversion (turning inward) or discharge (including blood)
• Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone (possible lymph node spread)
• Advanced symptoms may include:
• Ulceration of breast skin
• Pain in the breast or chest
• Significant weight loss or fatigue

How is Male Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects breast cancer, several steps help confirm the diagnosis:

• Physical exam: Checking the chest and underarms for lumps or changes.
• Mammogram: X-ray images of the breast can detect suspicious growths
• Breast Ultrasound: Helps distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts
• Breast MRI: Provides detailed imaging, often used for high-risk patients
• Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is taken and tested in the lab to confirm cancer. A core needle biopsy also helps doctors determine the cancer’s grade and whether it has hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone) or HER2 protein, which guide treatment decisions.
• Ki-67 Proliferation Index: An immunohistochemistry test that measures the percentage of tumor cells that are actively dividing, using an antibody to detect the Ki-67 protein. A higher index indicates faster cell growth and can predict a more aggressive cancer.

Staging of Male Breast Cancer

Staging describes how far cancer has spread, while grading indicates how aggressive the tumor looks under a microscope.

Stages of male breast cancer:

• Stage 0: Non-invasive (DCIS).
• Stage I: Small, localized tumor.
• Stage II: Larger tumor or spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Spread to multiple lymph nodes or nearby tissues.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs like lungs, liver, or bones.

Staging helps doctors choose the most effective treatment plan.

What Are the Treatment Options for Male Breast Cancer?

• Surgery: The most common treatment is mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue). Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes are removed as well (radical modified mastecomy).
• Medical Treatment: Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Hormone therapy may be of benefit in male breast cancer cases that are estrogen receptor-positive. Whereas targeted therapy such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) is ideal to target HER2-positive cancers.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays target remaining cancer cells after surgery or help shrink tumors before surgery.

Proton Therapy: When Is It Applicable?

Available at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, proton therapy uses protons instead of X-rays to deliver radiation more precisely to cancer cells. This allows doctors to target the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue, including the heart and lungs.

Proton therapy may be considered for male breast cancer in the following situations:

• When the tumor is located close to critical organs such as the heart or lungs, especially in left-sided breast cancers with internal mammary node involvement.
• In younger patients, to reduce long-term side effects from radiation exposure.
• For patients who have already received radiation to the chest and require additional treatment.
• In complex cases where precision is essential to reduce radiation-related complications.

While proton therapy is not required for all patients with male breast cancer, it can be especially beneficial in selected cases where traditional radiation may pose higher risks.

What is the Prognosis of Male Breast Cancer?

The outlook for male breast cancer depends on stage, tumor biology, and overall health.

5-year relative survival rates:

• Localized (early stage): ~95%
• Regional (spread to lymph nodes): ~84%
• Distant (metastatic): ~20%

Early detection greatly improves chances of survival.

Screening and Prevention of Male Breast Cancer

There are no standard screening guidelines for men at average risk. However:

• Men with strong family history or BRCA mutations may need genetic testing and regular follow-ups.
• Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly can lower risk.
• Men should promptly report any breast changes to a doctor.

For International Patients

People from around the world come to Apollo Hospitals for the treatment of male breast cancer. Our international patient services team will guide you all the way from seeking the first virtual connect all the way to treatment in India and then returning home post treatment.

Services include:

Medical opinions and scheduling

• Pre-arrival medical review of reports and imaging.

Travel and logistics

• Assistance with visa invitation letters, airport transfers, and nearby accommodation options.
• Dedicated international patient coordinators to guide through each step.

Language and cultural support

• Interpreter services in multiple languages.
• Clear, simple explanations at every stage with written care plans.

Financial coordination

• Transparent treatment estimates and packages when possible.
• Support with international payment methods and insurance coordination.

Continuity of care

• Shared records, imaging, and treatment summaries for home doctors.
• Telemedicine follow-ups for convenience after returning home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can male breast cancer be cured?

Yes, if detected early, male breast cancer is often curable through surgery and other treatments. Advanced cases can still be managed effectively with modern therapies.

2. What are the survival rates for male breast cancer?

The overall 5-year survival rate is about 84%. Survival is highest when the cancer is detected at an early stage.

3. What are the side effects of treatment?

• Surgery: Pain, scarring, changes in body image
• Chemotherapy: Fatigue, nausea, hair loss, increased infection risk
• Radiation: Skin irritation, fatigue
• Hormone therapy: Hot flashes, mood changes, reduced libido

4. How long does recovery take after surgery?

Most men recover within 4–6 weeks, but full recovery depends on the extent of surgery and additional treatments.

5. What is the cost of male breast cancer treatment?

Costs vary by country, hospital, and treatment type. Apollo Hospitals provides clear treatment cost estimates and packages, including surgery, medicines, hospital stay, and follow-up care. International patients can request customized estimates.

6. Can breast cancer in men come back?

Yes, recurrence is possible. Regular follow-ups and adherence to treatment plans help reduce this risk.

7. Should men with breast cancer be tested for BRCA mutations?

Yes. Genetic testing is recommended because BRCA mutations not only affect future cancer risk but may also impact family members’ health.