Breast Cancer In Men: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Breast Cancer In Men?
An oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer, leads care for breast cancer in men, often together with a breast surgeon, a doctor who operates on breast tissue. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is breast cancer in men?
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in breast tissue. Men have breast tissue too, so men can get breast cancer. It is rare in men. Fewer than 1 in 100 breast cancers in the United States happen in men. Most male breast cancers start in the milk ducts, the small tubes that carry milk. Cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, and most breast cancers in men are invasive, which means they have spread into nearby tissue.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men include:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast. This is the most common sign.
- A small lump beneath the nipple.
- A nipple that changes shape, points in a new direction, or turns inward.
- Fluid from the nipple that may be clear or bloody.
- Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola, the darker skin around the nipple.
- Dimpling or ridges on the skin that look like an orange peel.
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone.
Many breast changes in men are signs of less serious conditions, but you should check with your doctor about any unusual change.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of breast cancer in men is not clear. But some things raise the risk. Older age is one. Men are often diagnosed between ages 60 and 70. Other risk factors include radiation therapy to the chest, one or more female relatives who had breast cancer, and inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Conditions linked to higher estrogen levels also raise the risk. These include Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition in boys born with an extra X chromosome, liver disease called cirrhosis, testicular problems, and obesity. Heavy alcohol use can raise estrogen levels too.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your health and family history and do a physical exam, including a clinical breast exam. Imaging tests can include a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast, a breast ultrasound, or an MRI, which uses magnets to make detailed pictures. If these tests suggest cancer, the next step is a biopsy, which removes a small piece of tissue to check for cancer cells. If cancer is found, more tests check whether it has spread and whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors or HER2 protein, which help plan treatment. Male breast cancer is almost always hormone receptor positive.
Treatment
Male breast cancer is usually treated the same way as breast cancer in women. The main treatment is surgery. Men are more likely than women to have a mastectomy, surgery to remove the whole breast, because men have less breast tissue. Some men can have a lumpectomy instead, which removes only the cancer. Radiation therapy after surgery can kill remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy to block hormones that help the cancer grow, and HER2-directed therapy may also be used. The treatment plan depends on the stage of the cancer and other tumor features.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider right away if you notice something unusual about your breast, including any lump, skin change, or discharge. Breast cancer in men is often found at a later stage because of delays in getting checked, so do not wait.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can talk with you about your risk factors and check any breast change you are worried about. Your provider may ask you to have more tests during and after cancer treatment.
Common questions
Can men really get breast cancer?
Yes. Men have breast tissue, and cancer can start there. It is rare: fewer than 1 in 100 breast cancers in the United States happen in men. Men of any age can get it, but it usually happens at a later age in men than in women.
Is breast cancer in men treated differently than in women?
Not much. The approach is similar. Men are more likely to have a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy because they have less breast tissue, but some male breast cancers can be treated with a lumpectomy.
Should men get screening mammograms?
Usually not. Screening mammograms are not usually recommended for men, even those at increased risk. Your doctor may suggest staying alert to breast changes and getting regular clinical breast exams.
Does breast cancer in men have a good outlook?
It depends on how early it is found. The long-term outlook is excellent when the cancer is found and treated early. About 91 percent of men treated before the cancer spread are cancer-free after 5 years. Cancer found later has a smaller chance of long-term survival.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - Breast Cancer in Men
- MedlinePlus - Breast Cancer in Men
- National Cancer Institute - Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
