Male Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Male Breast Cancer?

Male breast cancer is a rare malignancy that develops in the limited breast tissue present in men, usually beginning in the milk ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma).

Globally, it accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, while in India, studies report an incidence of 0.4% to 1.03% of total breast cancer cases (National Institutes of Health). In that 10-year study, 18 out of 1,752 patients (1.03%) were men, with a median age of 60 years. About 94% of the cases were estrogen- and progesterone-receptor (ER/PR) positive, and 11 out of 18 patients (61%) presented with stage IV disease.

Due to low awareness and the absence of routine screening, many men in India are diagnosed at later stages of the disease. Early detection through Mammogram, MRI, and biopsy can significantly improve the male breast cancer survival rate.

Causes of Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer develops due to a mix of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that alter hormone balance or damage breast cell DNA.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Elevated estrogen or reduced testosterone levels can stimulate abnormal breast cell growth.
• Genetic Mutations: BRCA2 mutations raise the lifetime risk to 6–7%.
• Age: Most cases occur between the ages of 60 and 70.
• Radiation Exposure: Previous chest radiation increases the risk of DNA damage.
• Klinefelter’s Syndrome: Raises risk 20–50 times due to excess estrogen.
• Liver Disease or Obesity: Both increase estrogen production.
• Family History: Having a close relative with breast or ovarian cancer raises the risk.
• Alcohol Use: Heavy drinking impairs liver function and elevates estrogen.
• Genetic mutations (especially BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Elevated estrogen levels due to liver disease or obesity
• Radiation exposure to the chest
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Klinefelter’s syndrome (extra X chromosome causing hormonal imbalance)

Male Breast Cancer Symptoms

Early symptoms of male breast cancer are often painless and may go unnoticed, leading to late diagnosis. Being aware of these signs can help with timely medical attention:

1. Lump or Swelling:
   A firm, usually painless lump near the nipple or underarm is the most common early sign. It may feel hard or fixed to the underlying tissue.
2. Skin Changes:
   The skin over the breast may become dimpled, puckered, red, or scaly, often resembling an orange peel texture (peau d’orange).
3. Nipple Retraction:
   The nipple may start turning inward or flattening due to underlying tumour growth pulling the tissue.
4. Nipple Discharge:
   Any fluid—especially bloody or clear discharge—from the nipple in men should be treated as a warning sign.
5. Ulcer or Non-Healing Sore:
   Persistent sores or ulcers on or around the nipple area may indicate invasive cancer and require immediate evaluation.
6. Pain or Tenderness:
   While early cancers are usually painless, some men may experience localised discomfort or tenderness as the disease progresses.
7. Swelling in the Armpit or Collarbone:
   Enlarged or firm lymph nodes in these areas suggest that cancer may have spread beyond the breast tissue.

If you notice any of these, consult a doctor immediately for evaluation.

Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer

Certain conditions and lifestyle factors can increase a man’s chance of developing breast cancer. Awareness of these risks helps with early detection and prevention.

• Age: The risk of developing this condition rises with age, with most cases occurring between 60 and 70 years.
• Family History: Having a close relative with breast or ovarian cancer raises the risk up to 2–3 times.
• Genetic Mutations: Inherited BRCA2 mutations carry a 6–7% lifetime risk; BRCA1 mutations are slightly lower.
• Klinefelter’s Syndrome: Men with this condition have a 20–50 times higher risk due to increased estrogen.
• Obesity: Fat tissue converts testosterone into estrogen, promoting tumour growth.
• Radiation Exposure: Prior chest radiation (e.g., for lymphoma) increases the risk of complications later.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Cirrhosis impairs hormone regulation and raises estrogen levels.
• Hormonal Drugs: Long-term use of estrogen-containing medications.
• Alcohol Consumption: Regular heavy drinking elevates estrogen and reduces liver function.

Diagnostic Tests and Imaging Techniques for Male Breast Cancer

Doctors use several diagnostic tools to confirm male breast cancer and determine its extent:

• Clinical Breast Examination: Checks for lumps, nipple changes, or swelling in the armpit.
• Mammogram: X-ray imaging to detect abnormal masses or calcifications.
• Breast Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to distinguish solid tumours from cysts.
• MRI scan: Provides detailed images of tumour size and spread.
• CT scan: Detects metastasis to organs such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
• Biopsy: Confirms cancer by examining tissue under a microscope.
• CA 15.3 Test: Measures tumour marker levels to monitor treatment response.
• Cancer Marker Profile – Breast: Evaluates multiple markers to assess tumour activity.
• NextGen Metastatic HR+ Breast Cancer Panel: Utilizes advanced genetic sequencing to identify BRCA1/2 and HER2 mutations, enabling personalized targeted therapy.

Stages of Male Breast Cancer

Staging helps determine how far cancer has spread and guides treatment decisions.

• Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ — abnormal cells confined to the ducts, non-invasive.
• Stage I: Tumour ≤2 cm, no lymph node involvement.
• Stage II: Tumour 2–5 cm or spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Larger tumour with multiple lymph nodes or chest wall involvement.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread (metastasised) to distant organs such as bones, lungs, or liver.

Early-stage cancers (0–II) have excellent outcomes with surgery and hormone therapy, while advanced stages (III–IV) often need combined chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.

Treatment Options for Male Breast Cancer

Treatment depends on cancer stage, hormone receptor status, and overall health. A multidisciplinary approach ensures the best outcomes.

Surgical Treatment for Male Breast Cancer

• Mastectomy: Complete removal of the breast tissue, nipple, and often nearby lymph nodes; it’s the most common surgery for male breast cancer.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: A minimally invasive procedure to check if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
• Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Performed if sentinel nodes test positive to prevent further spread.
• Reconstructive Surgery: An optional procedure to restore the chest contour after mastectomy.

Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy

• Chemotherapy: Uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. It may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumour or after surgery (adjuvant) to prevent recurrence.
• Hormone Therapy: Recommended for men with estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive (ER/PR+) cancers. Drugs like tamoxifen block estrogen’s effect on breast tissue, slowing or stopping tumour growth.
• Targeted Therapy: For HER2-positive cancers, drugs such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) specifically attack cancer cells.
• Combination Approach: Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are often combined for advanced or recurrent male breast cancer to improve survival outcomes.

Survival Rates for Male Breast Cancer

The survival rate for male breast cancer depends mainly on the stage at diagnosis and how well the cancer responds to treatment. When detected early (Stages I–II), the 5-year survival rate is around 90–95%. For cancers that have spread to nearby lymph nodes (Stage III), survival drops to about 80–85%, and for distant metastasis (Stage IV), it falls to around 20–25%.

Overall, men have a 5-year survival rate of approximately 84%, which is similar to that of women when matched stage for stage. However, late detection and lack of awareness often lead to poorer outcomes. Regular screening and timely treatment greatly improve survival and quality of life.

Prevention of Male Breast Cancer

While male breast cancer cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle choices and medical precautions can lower the risk:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight:
  Excess body fat increases estrogen production, which can stimulate the growth of abnormal breast cells. A balanced diet and regular exercise help reduce this risk.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption:
  Excessive drinking impairs liver function and raises estrogen levels. Restricting alcohol intake helps maintain hormonal balance and promotes liver health.
• Exercise Regularly:
  Engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily can improve metabolism, boost immunity, and help maintain healthy hormone levels.
• Manage Chronic Liver Disease:
  Conditions like cirrhosis and hepatitis alter hormone regulation. Timely diagnosis and treatment of liver disorders can prevent hormonal imbalance.
• Avoid Unnecessary Radiation Exposure:
  Limiting exposure to chest radiation lowers the risk of DNA damage and subsequent tumour formation.
• Genetic Counselling and Testing:
  Men with a strong family history or those who have BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations should undergo genetic testing to assess their risk and take preventive measures early.
• Eat a Balanced, Antioxidant-Rich Diet:
  Foods rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation and support cellular health.
• Regular Health Check-ups:
  Routine clinical exams and mammogram screenings enable early detection and improve survival outcomes.

Adopting these preventive habits and seeking prompt evaluation for any breast changes can help reduce risk and ensure early diagnosis.

Conclusion

Although male breast cancer is rare, early detection and timely treatment can make a life-saving difference. Regular health check-ups, awareness of symptoms, and diagnostic tests such as Mammograms, MRIs, CT scans, and tumour marker profiling play a crucial role in improving outcomes.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we make quality diagnostics accessible and reliable for everyone. With 4000+ tests, including advanced cancer marker panels and genetic screenings, we support accurate diagnosis and personalised care. You can choose from comprehensive full-body check-ups, benefit from home sample collection across 10,000+ touchpoints, and get quick turnaround times with trusted accuracy.

Booking is simple and convenient — via our website, mobile app, WhatsApp, or a quick call — making healthcare easily accessible. Trusted by doctors and patients alike, Metropolis continues to lead in speciality testing, empowering every individual to take charge of their health with confidence and precision.

FAQs

What Are the Early Signs of Male Breast Cancer?

A firm lump near the nipple, nipple discharge, and skin dimpling are often the first noticeable signs. Men should not ignore these symptoms, as early detection dramatically improves recovery chances.

Can Men Get Breast Cancer?

Yes. Although rare, men can develop breast cancer due to the presence of small breast ducts and hormonal changes. Awareness and screening are vital for timely intervention.

Is Male Breast Cancer Inherited?

In some cases, yes. Genetic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 or a family history of breast and ovarian cancer can significantly raise the risk.

At what Age Do Men Get Breast Cancer?

Most cases occur in men between 60 and 70 years old, although younger men with genetic mutations may also be affected.