Men have underdeveloped breast tissues which puts them at a risk of developing breast cancer. Even though male breast cancer is not very common, and females are hundred times more vulnerable to breast cancer, one in hundred breast cancer cases occur in men.
Growth of malignant cells in the breast tissues of men is known as male breast cancer. Male breast cancer can occur in men of any age, although most of the cases diagnosed are in men aged between 60 and 70 years. The risk factors for male breast cancer include exposure to radiations beyond the safety limit, heredity, that is to say, a family history of breast cancer, and high levels of estrogen, which diseases like cirrhosis, a liver disease, brings. Klinefelter's syndrome - the abnormal presence of two X chromosomes with one Y chromosome - is a big risk factor, too. Mutation of genes also increases the risk of developing male breast cancer. Obesity and alcoholism are other common causes.
About 30% cases of male breast cancer are due to heredity, compared to just 5% to 10% in females. Breast cancer genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of men developing breast cancer, if the genes show defects or mutation. Genetic mutation is usually not inherited, and is acquired during the course of your life. Radiation therapies or operations may be one cause for these mutations.
A prominent symptom is lump formation, similar to that in females, breast cancer in men. The lump can come with thickness of the breasts and usually without any pains. Men with breast cancer also show the peau d'orange syndrome, a condition in which breasts develop pits or bumps. Other symptoms are fluid discharge from the nipples, redness, and changes in the nipples or skin around the nipples, much like in females.
Getting regular breast examinations is as important is men as it is for females. For diagnosis, biopsy is recommended, even though mammography and ultrasounds work great because men don't have as dense tissues as females do, which makes detection of lumps easier. If the diagnosis is positive, getting the breast tissue tested for traces of estrogen and progesterone hormones is a good idea, since these hormones are known to promote cancer growth, and can be medically exterminated.
In situ or non-invasive breast cancer means your cancer is confined to the breasts and has not spread out. A mastectomy in this case almost cures you. You can also have invasive breast cancer, where the cancer cells have spread outside the original site. There are stages of invasive breast cancer, where Stage I is very treatable, and means that your tissues still somewhat have their natural structure and perform natural functions, where as Stage IV means the cancer has metastasized to other organs. Treatment heavily depends on the stage of advancement of your cancer, then.
Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy are adopted to control cancer growth in the last stage, when total cure becomes difficult. For all other stages, treating male breast cancer is hardly different from treating female breast cancer.
Leading a healthy life during treatment is quintessential. Abstinence from alcohol and curing weight problems go a long way in both prevention and cure of breast cancer. You will always have family and friends for all the help and support you need, and you should never stop yourself from availing that help. Rest assured, you will lead a perfectly happy life thereafter.
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