Male breast cancer: signs, risk factors and treatment
Updated: 4 days ago
Doctor at THE CLINICS for this topic: Dr Gopal Puri, breast, endocrine and general surgeon · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Breast, Endocrine and General Surgery), AIIMS New Delhi; FEBS (Breast Surgery); FCLS · Delhi Medical Council Reg. No. 21499
OPD at THE CLINICS Green Park, Mon–Sat 6–8 pm; operates at THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas · View profile
Medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal (Delhi Medical Council Reg. No. 37887). This article was prepared with AI assistance. It is general information and does not replace a consultation.
Breast cancer is usually thought of as a women's disease, but men have a small amount of breast tissue behind the nipple, and cancer can start there too. It is uncommon, so many men do not recognise the signs and come to a doctor late. Knowing what to look for, and getting any new lump checked early, makes treatment simpler.
What are the signs of male breast cancer?
A firm lump behind or near the nipple, usually on one side and often not painful
A nipple that turns inwards, or a nipple that is red, scaly or crusted
Discharge from the nipple, especially if it is bloodstained
Skin over the breast that dimples, puckers or develops a sore that does not heal
A swollen lymph node in the armpit
Most breast lumps in men are not cancer. But any new, hard or one-sided lump should be examined by a doctor rather than watched at home.
Is it gynaecomastia or cancer?
Gynaecomastia is a common, non-cancerous enlargement of breast tissue in men. It is usually soft or rubbery, sits evenly under the nipple, often affects both sides and may be tender. Cancer is more often a hard, fixed lump on one side, sometimes off-centre, and may come with nipple or skin changes. You cannot tell them apart reliably by feel at home; a clinical examination and an ultrasound or mammogram usually settle the question.
Who is at higher risk?
Age: most cases are in men over 60
Family history: breast or ovarian cancer in close relatives
Inherited gene changes: especially BRCA2, and less often BRCA1
Higher oestrogen levels: from obesity, liver disease (such as cirrhosis) or some medicines
Klinefelter syndrome: a genetic condition with lower testosterone and higher oestrogen
Previous radiation to the chest
Having a risk factor does not mean you will get breast cancer, and many men who do have no known risk factor.
Types of male breast cancer
Invasive ductal carcinoma: the most common type; it starts in the ducts and grows into nearby tissue
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): abnormal cells that are still confined to a duct
Paget's disease of the nipple: a scaly, red or itchy nipple caused by cancer cells in the nipple skin
Lobular and inflammatory cancers: rare in men
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical examination of both breasts and armpits by a breast surgeon
Imaging: ultrasound and/or mammogram of the lump
Core needle biopsy: a small sample taken under local anaesthetic; this is the test that confirms or rules out cancer
Further tests if cancer is found: receptor tests on the biopsy (most male breast cancers are hormone-receptor positive), staging scans when needed, and genetic counselling and testing, because BRCA changes matter for the patient and his family
How is male breast cancer treated?
Treatment is planned by a team and depends on the stage and type of cancer.
Surgery: usually a mastectomy (removal of the breast tissue and nipple), because men have little breast tissue. Lymph nodes are checked with a sentinel node biopsy; more nodes are removed only if needed.
Hormone therapy: tablets such as tamoxifen for hormone-receptor positive cancers, usually for several years
Radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy: advised depending on the stage, the nodes and the tumour's receptor results
Your surgeon will explain the options, recovery and follow-up for your situation. Costs: a written estimate is given after examination.
Can men check themselves?
Yes. Once a month, look in the mirror for changes in the nipple or skin, then press gently around the nipple, the chest and the armpit with flat fingers to feel for a new lump. Gently squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. If you notice something new, book an examination rather than waiting to see if it settles.
When should a man see a doctor?
See a doctor promptly if you have a new lump in the chest, a nipple that has recently turned inwards, nipple discharge or bleeding, or a skin change over the breast. These are usually not cancer, but early examination is the safest approach.
Frequently asked questions
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes. It is uncommon but does occur, usually as a firm lump behind the nipple that is often not painful.
How is it different from gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is benign, usually soft and on both sides; cancer is typically a hard, one-sided lump. An examination and imaging tell them apart.
What are the risk factors?
Older age, family history, BRCA2 gene changes, high oestrogen levels and previous chest radiation.
How is male breast cancer treated?
Usually mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy, followed by other treatments such as hormone therapy, depending on the stage.
Book a consultation
Breast and endocrine surgery consultations with Dr Gopal Puri are at THE CLINICS Green Park (G-32, Ground Floor, Green Park Main Market Road, New Delhi 110016), Monday to Saturday, 6–8 pm, by appointment. Surgery, if needed, is at THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas. Call or WhatsApp +91 9217381353.
Prepared with AI assistance and medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC Reg. No. 37887), THE CLINICS. General information only; it does not replace a consultation.
