While there are some cancers that are gender specific, such as prostate cancer for men and cervical cancer for women, breast cancer isn’t limited to one gender. Although most breast cancer patients are women, men can also get breast cancer. About 2,470 new cases of breast cancer will be detected in men this year and approximately 460 men will die from the disease.
Detecting Breast Cancer
Although breast cancer is rare for men, it shouldn’t be ignored. Early detection can help find breast cancer and increase the success rate of breast cancer treatment in Riverhead, NY. The symptoms of breast cancer in men mimic those in women and include:
* A lump or swelling in the breast, which is usually painless
* Skin dimpling or puckering in the breast area
* A nipple that turns inward
* Redness or scaling around the nipple or in the breast area
* Nipple discharge
If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to make an appointment with your doctor right away.
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
After your doctor examines the breast area, you will be referred to a radiologist to have diagnostic tests done. These tests include:
* Ultrasounds to view abnormalities and pinpoint their locations
* Mammograms, which are often more successful in detecting cancer in men than women
* Nipple discharge exams
* MRIs to get a better look after cancer is found via mammograms
Early diagnosis can help improve the success of breast cancer treatment in either men or women.
Use of Radiation
Once breast cancer surgery has been done to remove as many cancer cells as possible, patients may undergo radiation to kill any remaining cells that are left. This breast cancer treatment can be harsh for some people but it is often necessary. If you have questions about radiotherapy, go to website for more information about testing or radiation treatments. You can also visit them on Facebook.
