Males can and do develop breast disorders.
Breast disorders are normally thought of as a female issue. However, breast disorders also affect men. Gynecomastia is a noncancerous condition that causes men to grow enlarged breasts. The firm tissue that develops begins as a small lump. Breast cancer can also cause men to develop breast lumps.
Fact
According to the National Cancer Institute, men between the ages of 60 and 70 years old are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Gynecomastia
According to FamilyDoctor.org, gynecomastia causes males to develop firm breast tissue. The tissue first appears as a noncancerous lump usually underneath the nipple. It's also important to note that the tissue isn't a tumor. The exact cause of this disorder is unknown. However, an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone may play a role.
Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, a man has a 1 in 1,000 chance of developing breast cancer in his lifetime. A breast cancer lump can develop anywhere there is breast tissue. However, it generally doesn't develop underneath the nipple like gynecomastia breast tissue.
Signs
Signs of breast cancer in men include: a breast lump, skin puckering, nipples that turn inward, and nipple discharge.
Diagnosis
Men should seek medical help if they develop a breast lump. An exam is the only way to distinguish noncancerous breast tissue from a cancerous tumor.
Tags: breast cancer, breast tissue, develop breast, breast disorders, breast lump
