How can a breast lump in men be recognized, and could it be cancer? Symptoms and treatment

Although breast cancer in men was previously considered much more aggressive than in women and a serious threat to survival, this understanding is changing today.

In the 1980s and 1990s, breast cancer occurring in men was considered very difficult to manage. By the 2000s, although an aggressive cancer in men, male breast cancers were found to resemble the types occurring in women.

Tumors are more aggressive in males

One of the main reasons breast cancer follows a more aggressive course in men than women is the tumor's character. What is called tumor biology refers to tumor-specific factors determining whether, after forming, it will spread within the breast, to the underarm or to distant organs. Another individual factor affecting tumor biology is age.

Tumors are more aggressive at younger ages than older ages

Age also affects tumor biology. Breast cancer in a woman of reproductive age at 30 does not follow the same course as cancer appearing at 60. Tumor aggressiveness gradually decreases with age. Just as tumors are more aggressive in young women, the same applies to young men. Breast cancer behavior is less aggressive in both older women and older men.

Personalized treatment for men, as for women

As in women, four main breast cancer types occur in men. They are grouped into four categories: tumors sensitive to estrogen and progesterone receptors, tumors with low sensitivity, the type involving signaling from the cell surface HER2 receptor and its excessive presence, and the triple-negative type with none of these characteristics. These types are treated in men as in women. In the HER2 receptor-positive group, smart drugs are used alongside chemotherapy. The approach to the tumor is therefore the same for men and women. Tumor characteristics are assessed and personalized treatments offered to male patients too. Hormonal therapy is used for hormone-sensitive male breast cancer, again as in women.

Male breast cancer can be controlled

It is wrong to assume male breast tumor biology differs from women's and that “the patient has very little chance of recovery.” Tumor stage, extent of spread and other characteristics are extremely important in men too. More treatment options, broader use of smart drugs in breast cancer, effective hormonal therapy, greater male awareness and prompt consultation when changes occur, properly performed surgery and technological advances in radiation oncology make the disease manageable. These developments contribute to male breast cancer treatment just as they do in women.

Regular breast self-examination and mammography-USG are unnecessary for men.

Men also develop breast cancer. What should be done in this situation? Should men undergo routine screening like women?

This must be one of the most important questions. Yet discussing male breast cancer should not provoke excessive fear. For every 200 female breast cancer cases, 1 male case occurs. For example, of 20 thousand annual breast cancer cases in Türkiye, only 200 concern men. Routine follow-up is therefore not recommended in men. Ultrasound and mammography solely for checkups are unnecessary. Because men have less breast tissue, even small formations in the breast tissue beneath the skin can be noticed very early. Awareness, familiarity with their bodies and occasional examination, as for all healthy individuals, are sufficient…