Hello, Randy. I have gathered some information for you on this
important subject. I'm posting excerpts here, but you may want to read
these articles in their entirety.
"Cancerous cells can develop in the small amount of breast tissue that
men have behind their nipples. Breast cancer occurs much more commonly
in women and only 1% of breast cancers occur in men...
The most common symptom is a lump in the breast. However, other signs
may occur such as a change in the size or shape of the breast, an
ulcer on the skin, fluid coming out of the nipple (discharge) or
turning-in of the nipple (inversion). Another possible symptom is a
rash on the nipple or surrounding area."
Cancer BACUP: Breast Cancer in Men
http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/Cancertype/Breast/Typesofbreastcancer/Breastcancerinmen#4252
"How Is Breast Cancer in Men Diagnosed?
"Signs and symptoms: Men need to know that breast cancer is not
limited to only women. If you notice any breast changes, you should
see your health care professional as soon as possible for evaluation.
Signs to watch for include:
- A lump or swelling
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
- Discharge from the nipple
However, remember that most breast lumps in men are due to
gynecomastia and not cancer."
American Cancer Society: Detailed Guide: Male Breast Cancer
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_male_breast_cancer_diagnosed_28.asp?sitearea=
"Symptoms of male breast cancer are the same as in women: a lump in
the breast (generally in the center behind the areola in men),
discharge from the nipple, retraction of the nipple, or an ulceration
on the breast. Lumps are often painless, which is why a lot of men
tend to ignore them. Nipple discharge is the most ominous sign in a
man, as 75 percent of all cases involving this symptom turn out to be
cancerous...
BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION FOR MEN
Things to look for:
Lumps in the breast
Soreness or discharge from the nipple
Retraction of the nipple
Ulcerations on the breast tissue
Method: Use your right hand to examine your left breast, pressing
firmly. Massage the breast in a circular motion, being extra cognizant
of the center. Squeeze the nipples to check for discharge. Repeat
using your left hand on your right breast."
Phoenix5: Though often overlooked, breast cancer afflicts men too
http://www.phoenix5.org/Basics/treatsides/gyneBCaMen.html
"What are the symptoms of breast cancer in men?
The following are the most common symptoms of breast cancer in men.
However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms
may include:
breast lumps
nipple inversion
nipple discharge (sometimes bloody)
a pain or pulling sensation in the breast
The symptoms of breast cancer may resemble other medical conditions or
problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis."
Stanford Cancer Center: About Breast Cancer in Men
http://cancer.stanfordhospital.com/healthInfo/cancerTypes/breast/men/
"What are the signs and symptoms of male breast cancer?
The most common symptom is a breast mass. The mass is usually firm,
nontender, and subareolar (although occasionally tumors occur in other
areas). In several series, the average tumor size was approximately
2.5 cm. Because of the short distance to the nipple, nipple
retraction, ulceration, or destruction are also common (occurring in
almost half of the patients in one series). Nipple discharge, either
bloody or serous, is distinctly abnormal in men and must be fully
investigated by cytology, galactography, or biopsy. A special kind of
breast cancer, Paget?s disease, may appear to be a rash or irritation
of the nipple. Biopsy is required to make the diagnosis."
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: Male Breast Cancer
http://aboutplastic.surgery.uiowa.edu/surgery/oncology/malebreastcancer.html
"SYMPTOMS of male breast cancer include:
- any new breast lump or mass
- swelling, skin dimpling, or puckering
- a nipple turns inward
- redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
- a discharge from the nipple
- swollen underarm lymph nodes
A healthcare provider should be seen when any of these symptoms are
detected. Early detection improves chances for treating male breast
cancer. Regular checkups with a healthcare provider increase the
likelihood for early detection."
University of Iowa Health Care: Breast Cancer in Men
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/cancer/canc4284.html
Google search strategy:
Google Web Search: "breast cancer" "in males OR men" "signs OR symptoms"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22breast+cancer%22+%22in+males+OR+men%22+signs+OR+symptoms
I hope this is helpful. As always, please don't hesitate to request
clarification if anything is unclear or incomplete.
Best wishes,
pinkfreud |