Mammograms are widely known as a screening tool for women’s breast health, but men can also undergo this imaging procedure. While less frequent, mammograms serve as a diagnostic tool for men when certain symptoms or risk factors are present. This X-ray imaging helps identify potential abnormalities.
When a Man Might Need a Mammogram
A man might need a mammogram if he experiences specific breast changes or has certain risk factors. Common symptoms include:
A palpable lump or mass in the breast area.
Nipple discharge (clear, bloody, or milky).
Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling, redness, or scaling.
Nipple retraction or inversion.
Swelling of lymph nodes in the underarm area.
Other risk factors include a significant family history of breast cancer, especially in first-degree relatives. Certain medical conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition involving an extra X chromosome, or treatments such as estrogen therapy, can also necessitate a mammogram due to increased risk.
The Mammogram Process for Men
The mammogram process for men is similar to that for women, utilizing X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. During the procedure, the breast technologist will position the breast on a plate, and a top plate will compress the tissue to flatten it. This compression, which lasts only a few seconds, is necessary to spread the tissue and obtain clear, accurate images. While this compression may cause brief discomfort, it is generally tolerable.
Despite men having less breast tissue, the mammography machine and technique are the same. Technologists are experienced in adjusting positioning to accommodate the male anatomy and capture effective images. It is important for men to communicate any concerns or symptoms to the technician before or during the procedure.
Male Breast Cancer: Understanding the Condition
Male breast cancer is a rare condition, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases in the United States, with approximately 2,600 to 2,800 new diagnoses annually. The most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, where cancer cells originate in the milk ducts and spread into surrounding breast tissue. Other types, such as lobular carcinoma, are very rare in men due to the limited development of lobules in male breast tissue.
Several factors can increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer. These include increasing age, with the average age of diagnosis being around 72 years old. Obesity, heavy alcohol use, and liver disease are also recognized risk factors, as they can lead to elevated estrogen levels in the body.
Exposure to radiation in the chest area, such as from previous cancer treatments, and specific genetic mutations like BRCA1/BRCA2, increase the risk. Early detection through prompt evaluation of symptoms is important, as male breast cancer is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage than in women. Treatment options for confirmed male breast cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.