Male Breast Cancer: The Statistics, Symptoms, and Screening Guidelines in Beverly Hills

Male Breast Anatomy

Men have breast tissue, including milk ducts and a small amount of glandular tissue beneath the nipple and areola. The breast also connects to a network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, including lymph nodes in the armpit, known as the axillary lymph nodes. These lymph nodes help drain fluid from the breast and surrounding areas.

Although men typically have much less breast tissue than women, this tissue can still develop abnormal cells and breast cancer. Because the breast tissue is concentrated behind the nipple, a new lump in this area is one of the most common signs of male breast cancer. Swelling or a lump in the underarm can also be a sign that should be evaluated.

The Most Common Type of Breast Cancer in Men

The most common type of breast cancer in men is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). It begins in the cells lining the milk ducts and occurs when abnormal cells grow beyond the duct into the surrounding breast tissue. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can also occur in men. DCIS is a noninvasive form of breast cancer in which abnormal cells remain confined to the milk ducts.

As breast cancer is uncommon in men, a new lump or other breast change may not immediately be recognized as a potential sign of cancer. Understanding the anatomy of the male breast and knowing which changes should be evaluated can help support earlier detection.

The most common sign of male breast cancer is a new lump or swelling in the breast. The lump is often firm and painless and may develop underneath or near the nipple.

Other changes to watch for include:

• A lump or swelling in the breast or underarm
• Nipple discharge, particularly if it is bloody
• A nipple that turns inward
• Changes in the appearance or texture of the nipple or breast skin
• Redness, scaling, or irritation
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Persistent pain in the nipple or breast area
• Swelling or a lump near the collarbone or under the arm

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that a man has breast cancer. Conditions such as gynecomastia, which is an enlargement of male breast tissue, are much more common and are not cancer. However, a new or unusual breast change should be evaluated by a healthcare provider rather than assumed to be benign.

Men do not generally undergo routine mammography screening because breast cancer is too uncommon in the general male population for routine screening to provide a clear benefit. Instead, awareness of changes in the breast is particularly important.

If you notice a breast change, do not wait for it to go away on its own. Our team can determine whether additional evaluation, such as diagnostic ultrasound, is appropriate. Men with certain risk factors, including genetic mutations, may also need a more individualized approach to breast cancer surveillance.

Yes. Men can inherit BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, and having one can increase the risk of certain cancers, including male breast cancer and prostate cancer. If you have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, or if a family member is known to carry a BRCA mutation, talk with your doctor about whether genetic testing may be appropriate.

Genetic counseling and testing may be appropriate for men with certain personal or family histories.It may be recommended if:

• A man has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
• A close blood relative has a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation or another inherited cancer-related gene mutation.
• There is a strong family history of breast cancer.
• There is a family history of ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, particularly when cancers occurred at younger ages or in multiple close relatives.
• Multiple relatives on the same side of the family have had cancers associated with hereditary cancer syndromes.

Any new or unexplained breast change deserves attention, particularly a new lump, nipple discharge, nipple retraction, or changes in the skin around the nipple.

Breast cancer in men is rare, but rare does not mean impossible. Understanding the signs, knowing your family history, and discussing genetic risk when appropriate can help men take breast changes seriously and seek evaluation when needed.

1. What does a breast cancer lump feel like in a man?

A breast cancer lump in a man may feel firm and is often painless. It may develop beneath or near the nipple. Any new or unusual breast change should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

2. Do men need regular mammograms?

Routine mammograms are not generally recommended for men at average risk because male breast cancer is uncommon. If a man notices a new breast change, diagnostic imaging, including an ultrasound, may be recommended to evaluate it.

3. Can breast cancer run in a man's family?

Yes. A family history of breast cancer can be a sign of an inherited risk, particularly when multiple family members have had breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer. This family history can come from either the mother's or father's side. If breast cancer or a BRCA mutation runs in your family, talk with your doctor about whether genetic testing may be appropriate.