Virtual Consultations Available! Start Your Journey Today.

Schedule A Consultation

Do Men Get Breast Cancer?

May 8, 2025

Many people are surprised to learn that men can develop breast cancer, but it’s a real condition—especially for men with certain risk factors. While male breast cancer is uncommon, awareness and early detection can make all the difference in outcomes.

In this article, we explain how breast cancer affects men, what symptoms to watch for, and when to seek medical evaluation.

Yes, Men Have Breast Tissue—And It Can Turn Cancerous

All men have small amounts of breast tissue behind the nipple and areola. In rare cases, those cells can mutate and become cancerous—just like in women.

Most male breast cancer cases develop in men over age 60, but it can occur earlier, especially in those with a family history or genetic predisposition.

Symptoms of Male Breast Cancer

Watch for these warning signs:

  • hard lump or mass behind the nipple or in the chest
  • Nipple retraction (inward turning nipple)
  • Discharge from the nipple, especially blood
  • Changes in skin texture (dimpling or puckering)
  • Swelling or redness near the nipple area

Do Men Get Breast Cancer: Not all lumps are cancerous—many turn out to be gynecomastia or benign growths—but it’s essential to get any new or unusual change checked by a doctor.

Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer

Men are at higher risk if they have:

  • family history of breast cancer
  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
  • Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic condition that affects hormone levels)
  • Radiation exposure to the chest
  • Liver disease, which can affect hormone balance
  • Estrogen-related treatments or conditions

Men with gynecomastia are not automatically at higher risk, but any new or persistent lump still warrants evaluation.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose male breast cancer through:

  • Physical exam
  • Mammogram or ultrasound
  • Biopsy to test suspicious tissue

If cancer is confirmed, treatment may involve:

  • Surgery (typically mastectomy)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy, if the cancer is hormone-sensitive

With early detection, treatment success rates are high.


Don’t Ignore a Lump—Get It Checked

Men Get Breast Cancer: If you notice a lump behind your nipple or any unusual change in your chest, don’t wait. Early detection is key. At our clinic, we frequently evaluate patients with gynecomastia, chest lumps, or concerns about male breast cancer.

Whether the cause is hormonal, benign, or potentially serious, we’ll guide you through next steps with expert care and complete discretion.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Dr. Joseph Cruise, a board-certified plastic surgeon, brings unmatched expertise to male chest procedures.

Our Newport Beach clinic serves patients from Los Angeles, Orange County, and beyond. We also offer virtual consultations for out-of-town patients.

Book your private consultation today!

Plastic Surgeon | Website |  + posts

Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Posted in Gynecomastia Basics and tagged , , , , , , ,

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

REQUEST VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT

Use our Fast Track program to receive a rapid assessment with a recommended treatment plan and estimated surgical quote.

Get Started

CONTACT US

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY