Diagnosis
If a man has any symptoms of breast cancer, he should see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and clinical breast examination. The doctor will feel the breast tissue, nipples and underarms to check for any lumps or abnormalities. If the doctor suspects breast cancer, he or she may recommend the following tests:
Diagnostic mammogram
A mammogram is an X-Ray of the breast tissue. A diagnostic mammogram is used to help diagnose breast cancer in men with lumps or other signs and symptoms. A mammogram is often more accurate in men, because men have less breast tissue than women. If a mammogram shows an abnormal area of breast tissue, a biopsy may be needed to determine if it is cancer.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds bounce sound waves off of your internal organs in order to create echoes that form a picture. An ultrasound may be used to further evaluate an abnormality found on a mammogram, and to determine if it is solid or fluid-filled. A solid tumor is more likely to be cancerous.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnet to create clear and detailed images of body parts. Radio waves are absorbed by the body and then released in a certain pattern, which is translated by a computer in order to show “slices” of the body. MRI scans may be used to examine abnormal tissue found on a mammogram in more detail.
Nipple discharge examination
In this procedure, fluid is removed from the nipple and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
Biopsy
The doctor performs a biopsy when mammograms and other diagnostic tests detect a breast abnormality that might be cancer. During a biopsy, a tissue sample is removed from the breast. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, where a pathologist examines it under a microscope. A biopsy is the only way to be certain of a cancer diagnosis. Here are the types of biopsy the doctor may recommend:
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy - A thin, hollow needle attached to a syringe is used to extract a tissue sample from a suspicious area of the breast. The doctor may also take a tissue sample from enlarged lymph nodes to check for cancer.
- Core needle biopsy - A larger needle is used to remove a small cylinder of tissue from the breast. The doctor may also take a tissue sample from enlarged lymph nodes to check for cancer.
- Surgical biopsy - The doctor uses a surgical knife to remove an area of abnormal breast tissue and a margin of healthy tissue around it. If the mass is too large, the doctor may remove only part of it. The doctor may also take a tissue sample from enlarged lymph nodes to check for cancer.
Because male breast cancer is rare and it can be aggressive, it is critical to see a specialist at the earliest possible stage of the diagnosis.
