Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Breast Cancer Research & Men

Breast cancer insignia


Research pertaining to breast cancer in men has identified risk factors, types of breast cancer in men, and diagnostic and treatment protocols.


Risk Factors


Breast cancer risk factors in men include having a close relative diagnosed with cancer in both breasts; a relative diagnosed with breast cancer under age forty; or several family members diagnosed with cancer of the ovary or colon, according to Macmillan.org.uk.


Types


Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer in men, corresponds to the most common type in women. More rarely, men may contract inflammatory breast cancer or Paget's disease.


Diagnostics


While care providers sometimes use mammograms as a diagnostic tool for breast cancer in men, the medical community has generally found ultrasound a more helpful diagnostic.


Treatments


Because breast cancer behaves similarly in men and women, the treatment protocols are also similar. Most men typically choose surgery as their first option, although lumpectomies are often sufficient because of the small amount of breast tissue involved. Hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and various combinations provide other options.


Research


Although more effort is focused on breast cancer in women, research into breast cancer treatments for men continues to proceed.







Tags: breast cancer, diagnosed with, breast cancer, common type, diagnosed with cancer, most common