If you have symptoms which might indicate breast cancer, such as a hard, painless lump in one of your breasts, your GP will carefully examine your breasts. During the examination, they will also be looking for other possible signs of male breast cancer, such as swollen lymph nodes (glands).
It is likely that your GP will refer you for further tests. There are three tests that are used to help diagnose male breast cancer. These are:
- a mammogram,
- an ultrasound
- a biopsy
Mammogram
A mammogram is a type of X-ray that can help determine whether there are any changes in breast tissue that could be the result of cancer.
During the mammogram procedure, a radiographer (a specialist in taking X-rays) will compress one of your breasts between two X-ray plates. This should not be painful, but you should tell the radiographer if you find it uncomfortable.
Once your breast has been correctly positioned, an X-ray will be taken which will produce a clear image of the inside of your breast. The procedure will then be carried out on your other breast.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce an image of the inside of your breasts (in the same way that an unborn baby can be seen in the womb).
An ultrasound probe or sensor will be placed over your breasts to create an image of the inside of your breasts on a screen. The image will highlight any lumps or abnormalities that may be present in your breasts.
Biopsy
A biopsy may be recommended if a mammogram or an ultrasound scan highlight any lumps or abnormalities in your breasts. A biopsy is a test that can either confirm or rule out a diagnosis of male breast cancer. It involves taking a sample of suspected cancerous tissue and examining it in a laboratory for the presence of cancerous cells.
A type of biopsy that is known as a core biopsy is usually recommended for the diagnosis of breast cancer in men. This type of biopsy can usually indicate whether the cancer has started to spread from the breast into the surrounding area, which is known as invasive breast cancer.
During a core biopsy, a local anaesthetic will be used to numb your breasts. A hollow needle will then be used to remove a number of small tissue samples from the breast lump.
If cancer is found, it will also be possible to check whether there are special proteins, known as oestrogen receptors, on the surface of the cancerous cells. This is important because if oestrogen receptors are found (they are in an around 90% of cases), it is possible to treat the cancer using a medication called tamoxifen.
Staging
After breast cancer has been diagnosed, your care team should be able to provide information about what stage your cancer is at.
Staging is a system that is used to describe how far a cancer has spread at the point of the diagnosis. The higher the stage, the more advanced the cancer and the further it has spread. The staging system for male breast cancer is outlined below.
- Stage 1 – the cancerous tumour is less than 2cm (three quarters of an inch) across and there are no signs that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the armpit.
- Stage 2 – the cancerous tumour is 2-5cm (three quarters to two inches) across and/or there are signs that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the armpit.
- Stage 3 – the cancerous tumour is larger than 5cm (2 inches) across and has started to move into surrounding tissues, such as skin and muscle. Near-by lymph nodes are also affected but there is no sign that the cancer has spread beyond the breast and armpit.
- Stage 4 – there are signs that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones. This is known as secondary, or metastatic, cancer.
A cure may be possible in cases of stage 1, 2 and 3 male breast cancer. In cases of stage 4 breast cancer, a cure is unlikely but it may be possible to control the symptoms and slow the spread of the cancer.
Coping with a diagnosis
Being told that you have breast cancer can cause a wide range of emotions, such as shock, fear, confusion and, in some cases, embarrassment.
Most people assume that breast cancer only affects women, so it can be difficult for many men to come to terms with the diagnosis.
Feelings of isolation and being alone are common in men with breast cancer. This may be because there is little in the way of advice and support for men with breast cancer, particularly when compared to the support that is available for women with the condition.
Sometimes, men who find themselves in this situation can become depressed. You may be depressed if during the past month you have felt very down and you are no longer interested in doing activities that you used to enjoy. If you think that you may be depressed, you should visit your GP. There are a range of effective treatments, such as medication and counselling, that can help relieve feelings of depression.
Read more about treating depression.
Glossary
Ultrasound scan
Local anaesthetic:A local anaesthetic is a drug that is injected by needle or applied as a cream, which causes a loss of feeling in a specific area of the body.
Ultrasound:Ultrasound scans are a way of producing pictures of inside the body using sound waves.
X-ray:An X-ray is a painless way of producing pictures of inside the body using radiation.
Tissue:Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
Swelling:Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Biopsy:A biopsy is a test that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the body so it can be examined.
Counselling:Counselling is guided discussion with an independent trained person, to help you find your own answers to a problem or issue.
Genetic:Genetic is a term that refers to genes- the characteristics inherited from a family member.
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Breast cancer in men - Diagnosis
