Many people think that breast cancer is a disease that only affects women, right? But in fact, although very rarely, men can also develop this disease. Men also have a very small amount of breast tissue in their bodies, so there is a chance that cancer cells will develop in that tissue. Although the risk of men developing this disease is very low, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms. Then, if you have any symptoms that make you suspicious, you can talk to your doctor about it, get the necessary tests done, and find out for sure whether it is breast cancer or something else.
What could be the symptoms of this?
There are several symptoms that can be seen in this disease.
- Lumps: Men with breast cancer usually develop one or more lumps. These can be felt in your chest or armpit area. The best part is that these lumps are often painless .
- Changes in the breast area: You may notice a change in the size or shape of your breast area.
- Skin changes: You may notice some changes in the skin of the breast area. For example:
- Showing a hollow appearance, like an orange peel , sunken into the skin.
- Puckered appearance, as if the skin has been pulled inward.
- The skin becomes red, swollen, or has a scaly appearance.
- Nipple problems: Your nipple may turn inward. Or, it may leak a clear or bloody fluid. The skin around the nipple (areola) may also become red, swollen, or crusty.
In general, the symptoms of breast cancer are very similar in both men and women.
When do you need to see a doctor?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, see a doctor without delay . If these symptoms are caused by breast cancer, your doctor can perform the necessary tests and diagnose it quickly. Then the chances of successful treatment are much higher.
Most of the time, when men develop this disease, it is only diagnosed when the cancer is at an advanced stage. At that point, treatment can be more difficult. So, if you notice a lump or other suspicious symptom in your breast, don't expect it to go away on its own.
Even if the thought of breast cancer makes you uncomfortable, talk to a doctor. There's nothing to be ashamed of, the most important thing is your health.
If any close relatives in your family have had breast cancer, don't forget to tell your doctor about it. This is because the disease can run in families, which can increase your risk.
But remember this. Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. It is very rare for men to develop this disease, especially if you are under 60 years old. Overall, men account for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases reported worldwide.
If it's not cancer, what else could be causing this?
There are several other health problems that can cause symptoms similar to those of breast cancer , so it's a good idea to be aware of these other conditions before you panic.
| Condition | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Gynecomastia | Enlargement or swelling of the breast tissue in men. This is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance. It may feel like a lump under the nipple. |
| Infections | This can cause pain, swelling, or pus-filled lumps (abscesses) in the breast area. You may experience a fever. |
| Lipoma | A harmless lump formed by fat deposits. It usually does not show any other symptoms. |
| PASH (Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia) | This is a non-cancerous (benign) breast condition that may feel like a small lump. |
| Granular cell tumor | This is also something that usually appears as a single, non-cancerous, painless lump. |
| Jogger's nipple | A condition where your nipples become sore, red, or bleed due to your clothing rubbing against your breasts during exercise. This is more common on hot, sweaty days. |
| Mastitis | Breast tissue becomes infected and inflamed. This can cause redness, warmth, pain, and swelling. |
| Skin rash | Rashes can occur anywhere on the body, including the chest. Conditions like eczema and yeast infections can cause the skin to become red and itchy. |
Since there can be many other causes, only your doctor can determine exactly what condition you have. Therefore, it is wise to seek medical advice before making any decisions on your own.
Take-Home Message
- Breast cancer is a disease that affects not only women, but also men.
- If you have any symptoms such as a new lump in your breast or armpit, a skin change, a dimpling or discharge from your nipple, don't be shy or delay, see a doctor.
- The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.
- These symptoms are not always caused by cancer. There could also be other simple causes, such as hormonal problems or infections. So don't panic, and consult your doctor to find out the exact cause.
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