How to Detect Breast Cancer in Males

Men are susceptible to breast cancer. Most breast cancers are seen in women; however, men are susceptible to breast cancer, too. Standard diagnostic tests for breast cancer in males include biopsy, ultrasound, and PET scan. Find out the symptoms of breast cancer in men and factors that could increase the risk. 

The breast cancer condition is where the cells in the breast develop beyond control. The type of breast cancer is determined by the kind of breast cells that develop into cancer. Many types of cancers affect breasts.

The cancer of the breast can develop in various areas within the breast. The breast comprises three primary components: ducts, lobules, and connective tissues. Therefore, this article will see the best diagnostic tests for breast cancer in males. How do they help to detect breast cancer? Also, know Can stage 4 cancer be cured?

Understanding breast cancer in men

Breast cancer in men is an uncommon type of cancer found within the tissue surrounding the breasts of males. While breast cancer is often seen as a condition affecting women, breast cancer can occur in males. Breast cancer in men is more prevalent in older men. However, it can happen at any time.

Also Know: Radiation Therapy for Breast cancer

The men diagnosed with male breast cancer in the infancy stage can have a high possibility of being cured. The most common treatment is the removal of breast tissue. Other options, like radiation therapy or chemotherapy, might be recommended depending on your specific circumstance.

Doctors are aware that breast cancer in men occurs when breast cells divide more quickly than healthy ones do. The cells from the tumor can then be spread (metastasize) into nearby tissue, the lymph nodes, or even elsewhere in the body. 

Women start growing breast tissue as puberty progresses, but men do not. Because men were born with only a tiny quantity of breast tissues, they may develop breast cancer.

How to detect breast cancer in males?

The test is used to detect breast cancer. However, it may additionally be utilized to check for tumors that have spread into other regions in the body. There are various diagnostic tests for breast cancer in males. It includes:

• Chest x-ray

The test could determine whether the breast cancer has spread to lung cancer.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

An MRI scan produces detailed images using radio waves and powerful magnets instead of x rays. This test helps examine the spinal cord and brain. MRIs are more painful than CT scans because they are more time-consuming, and it is common to be placed in a narrow tube during the procedure.

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan

A CT scan is a procedure that uses x-rays from various angles. A computer merges these to create detailed images of organs. The test is typically performed to check the abdomen and chest (abdomen) to determine whether cancer has spread into other organs. It is also used to direct the biopsy needle to the area of concern.

• Bone scan

A bone scan can detect cancer metastasized (spread) into the bones. It can show all the body’s bones simultaneously and may reveal small spots of cancer spreading that cannot be visible on plain x-rays.

• Ultrasound

To perform An ultrasound procedure, the device that emits sound waves is placed on the skin to capture images of the inside of your body. A gel is usually placed on your skin before the ultrasound. 

How does PET scan help to diagnose breast cancer in men?

Cancer cells take in large quantities of sugar. In it, a type that is radioactively absorbed sugar placed into a vein and then circulated through the body. 

A specially designed camera for this purpose then captures images that reveal the regions where sugar accumulates in the body. Besides PET scans, there are various diagnostic tests for breast cancer in males. 

PET scans are helpful in situations where your doctor believes that cancer might have spread but isn’t sure where it happened. The image isn’t as detailed as a CT or MRI scan; however, it will provide valuable details about your entire body. 

Specific machines can perform the PET scan and CT scan simultaneously (PET/CT scan). Radiologists can assess areas with higher radiation on PET and look at the same region when examining the CT.

This test could help identify cancer that has spread to distant organs. However, it isn’t as helpful in finding small amounts of cancerous cells in lymph nodes in the arms (axillary lymph nodes).

Is Breast Biopsy is an effective way to diagnose breast cancer?

A breast biopsy does not necessarily mean you have cancer. If other tests suggest the possibility of having breast cancer, you’ll likely need to undergo an examination. The majority of results from a biopsy aren’t cancer-related, but a biopsy is the only way to determine.

In a biopsy, the doctor will take out cells from the area of concern to be looked at in the laboratory to determine whether cancerous cells are in the area. It usually takes two days to know the results.

An ultrasound is the only reliable method to determine the presence of breast cancer. If your doctor says you don’t require a biopsy, however, you feel that it’s not right with your breasts, then follow your gut. Do not be afraid to speak to your physician about this or visit a different doctor to get an additional opinion.

Should you take an inherited test to look for breast cancer?

If you’re considering getting genetic testing, It is highly advised that you speak with a qualified professional who can explain and interpret the results, for example, genetic counselors or a doctor or nurse who has specialized knowledge. 

It is crucial to be aware of what genetic tests will and won’t reveal and carefully consider the advantages and dangers of performing the test. 

Test results aren’t always crystal clear or even the case; they’re often not easy to know what needs to be done regarding the results. There could be other issues, like what the results could be for family members of other relatives.

Conditions that arrives due to breast cancer: 

• Exposure to estrogen. For example, if you use estrogen-related medicines, like those employed for hormone therapy to treat prostate cancer, the chances of getting breast cancer are higher.
• The family history of breast cancer. If you have a family member diagnosed with the disease, you stand an increased chance of getting cancer.
• Klinefelter’s syndrome. The genetic condition occurs when males are given more than one copy of their X chromosome. It means that men who suffer from this condition produce lower levels of testosterone (androgens) and higher levels of feminine hormones (estrogens).
• Liver disease. Certain conditions, like liver cirrhosis, can decrease male hormones and boost female hormones, increasing your chances of getting breast cancer.
• Obesity. Obesity is linked to higher estrogen levels within the body, which increases the chance of developing male breast cancer.
• Orchiectomy for testicular diseases. Inflamed testicles (orchitis) or removal of the testicle (orchiectomy) could increase the risk of male breast cancer.

Conclusion

Breast Cancer in men is a kind of cancer that develops in non-functional milk ducts glands breast tissues. The men’s breasts are fatty, including breast cells ducts. The breast tissues of men are like those of a pre-puberty female. The tissues of men aren’t as apex-like because they cannot produce female hormones. The cancer process begins when healthy cells expand beyond their limits, creating the mass of cells known as”a tumor. As we mentioned, there are various diagnostic tests for breast cancer in males. Still, if you want any medical advice, book an appointment with the top oncologist at Cytecare Hospital. 

A tumor could be benign or malignant. The tumor is malignant when it expands and spreads to other body parts. However, benign tumors may develop, but it doesn’t expand to other organs.