Male Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD. Last reviewed October 13, 2026. This content is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.

Figure 1. A doctor discussing chest symptoms with a patient. Because men are born with some breast tissue, breast cancer can occur in anyone, though it is much less common in men.

Quick Answer

Male breast cancer is a growth of abnormal cells that begins in the breast tissue of men; it is rare and most often diagnosed in men in their 60s. First signs include a painless lump, skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge. Treatment is usually surgery, most often mastectomy, followed by radiation, hormone therapy or chemotherapy as needed.

What the research says

Based on abstracts retrieved from PubMed:

• Klinefelter syndrome greatly raises the risk. A systematic review of Danish and British cohorts found male breast cancer was significantly more common in men with Klinefelter syndrome than in the general male population (standardised incidence ratio 18.1, 95% CI 13.53 to 24.74). Breast cancer rates in women remain far higher (Cook et al., Breast, 2024).

• Radiation therapy was linked to better survival. A meta-analysis of 14 studies reporting on 80,219 men found a pooled adjusted hazard ratio for death of 0.73 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.81) with radiation therapy. The studies were retrospective, with significant heterogeneity, so the findings need further investigation (Colciago et al., Crit Rev Oncol Hematol, 2024).

• Most tumors are hormone-receptor positive. A systematic review of 54 studies (1,534 men) from Arab countries found high estrogen receptor (71.5%) and progesterone receptor (71.6%) positivity and low HER2 positivity (12.6%). BRCA2 was the most frequently reported susceptibility gene, though genetic data were limited (Abunasser et al., J Egypt Natl Canc Inst, 2026).

Key Facts at a Glance

Key fact	What it means
Who gets it	Men, most often in their 60s, though it can occur at any age [1]
How rare	Rare; far less common than breast cancer in women [1]
Where it starts	In the breast tissue of the chest, most often the milk ducts [1]
First sign	Usually a painless lump or skin thickening on the chest [1]
Usual treatment	Surgery to remove breast tissue, often with hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation [2]

What Is Male Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a rare cancer in men, but it can happen. Everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue, so anyone can get breast cancer.

At birth, male and female breast tissue look similar. Both contain milk-producing glands called lobules, ducts that carry milk to the nipples, and fat. At puberty, people assigned female at birth grow more breast tissue under the influence of female hormones. People assigned male at birth generally do not grow additional breast tissue, but the small amount they are born with remains.

Male breast cancer is rare and most often affects older men, though it can occur at any age. In most cases, treatment involves surgery to remove the breast tissue, and chemotherapy and radiation may also be recommended [1].

What are the symptoms of male breast cancer?

Because men have less breast tissue than women, a new lump or change on the chest is easier to notice and should be checked promptly.

Possible signs of male breast cancer include a painless lump or thickening of the skin on the chest, changes to the skin over the chest such as dimpling, puckering, scaling, or color changes, changes to the nipple such as changes in the color or skin of the nipple or the nipple turning inward, and discharge or bleeding from the nipple [1].

Warning sign	What you might notice
Chest lump	A painless lump or thickening of the skin on the chest
Skin changes	Dimpling, puckering, scaling, or color changes over the chest
Nipple changes	Color or skin changes on the nipple, or the nipple turning inward
Nipple discharge	Discharge or bleeding from the nipple

When to See a Doctor

A lump on the chest is not always cancer, but any new lump or change on the chest deserves a medical evaluation. If these symptoms worry you, make an appointment with a doctor [1].

What causes male breast cancer and who is at risk?

What causes male breast cancer is not clearly known. In general, breast cancer begins when changes (mutations) in the DNA of breast tissue cells cause them to grow and multiply quickly while avoiding normal cell death. The abnormal cells can form a tumor and, over time, can invade nearby tissue or spread to other areas of the body [1].

Figure 2. Breast cancer begins when DNA changes make breast tissue cells grow and multiply quickly. The abnormal cells can form a tumor and spread.

Age is the strongest risk factor. Most men diagnosed with breast cancer are in their 60s, though the disease can occur at any age.

Hormones also play a large role. Breast cancer occurs when male sex hormones drop or female sex hormones rise. Conditions and medicines that shift this balance raise risk, including hormone therapy for prostate cancer and medicines containing estrogen.

Risk factor	How it raises risk
Older age	Most often diagnosed in men in their 60s
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer	Changes hormone balance
Medicines containing estrogen	Estrogen-related medicines raise risk
Family history	A blood relative with breast cancer raises risk
BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes	Inherited DNA changes that increase male breast cancer risk
Klinefelter syndrome	Being born with more than one X chromosome affects testicle development and hormone balance, increasing risk
Liver disease	Cirrhosis changes hormone balance
Obesity	Linked with higher estrogen levels
Testicle disease or surgery	Inflamed testicles (orchitis) or removal of a testicle (orchiectomy) affect hormones

What types of male breast cancer are there?

The type of cancer depends on where in the breast tissue it begins.

Ductal carcinoma begins in the milk ducts. This is the most common type of male breast cancer. Lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules). It is less common in men because men usually have fewer lobular cells. Rarer types include Paget's disease of the nipple and inflammatory breast cancer [1].

Cancer type	Where it begins	Notes
Ductal carcinoma	Milk ducts	Most common type in men
Lobular carcinoma	Milk-producing glands (lobules)	Less common in men, who have fewer lobular cells
Paget's disease of the nipple	Nipple	Rare
Inflammatory breast cancer	Lymphatic vessels in skin	Rare

How is male breast cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical breast exam. The doctor feels the breasts and surrounding areas for lumps and works to understand the size and feel of the lump and how close it is to the skin and the muscles of the chest.

Imaging tests come next. These include a mammogram, which is a breast X-ray, plus ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [2].

A biopsy confirms the diagnosis. The doctor passes a needle through the skin on the chest to collect cells, often guided by the mammogram or other imaging. The laboratory examines the cells under a microscope. Additional tests show whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors or specific DNA changes. These results shape the treatment plan [2].

Staging determines how far the cancer has spread. Staging imaging may include a bone scan, CT scan, and PET scan. Laboratory tests show the cancer's grade, which reflects how quickly the cells are growing. Doctors test for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and the HER2 protein [2].

Male breast cancer is staged from 0 to 4. Stage 0 means the cancer is very small and inside the milk ducts; it has not broken into breast tissue and is called noninvasive. As the cancer grows and invades, the stage rises. Stage 4 means the cancer has spread to other areas. Staging helps doctors discuss prognosis and build a treatment plan [2].

Diagnostic step	What it does
Clinical breast exam	Feels the chest and surrounding areas for lumps; assesses size, feel, and position
Mammogram	Breast X-ray that images the tissue
Ultrasound	Sound-wave imaging that helps evaluate a lump
MRI	Detailed magnetic imaging of the breast tissue
Biopsy	A needle collects cells for laboratory analysis under a microscope
Receptor and DNA testing	Checks for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 markers and DNA changes
Staging scans	Bone scan, CT scan, and PET scan show whether the cancer has spread

What are the treatment options for male breast cancer?

Treatment planning considers the cancer's stage, the person's overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment usually starts with surgery, and other common treatments include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy [2].

Figure 3. Treatment usually starts with surgery, followed by radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy depending on stage and tumor testing.

Surgery

Mastectomy removes all breast tissue from one side, including the nipple and the areola (the skin around the nipple). This is the most common surgery for male breast cancer. Lumpectomy removes the cancer plus some healthy tissue around it while keeping the rest of the breast; this breast-conserving surgery is usually followed by radiation therapy [2].

A sentinel lymph node biopsy checks whether the cancer has spread. The surgeon removes the lymph nodes that are most likely the first place cancer cells would spread and sends them to the laboratory. If no cancer cells are found, there is a good chance the cancer has not spread past the breast tissue. If cancer is found, more lymph nodes are removed for testing [2].

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams, such as X-rays and protons. A machine directs the radiation to precise points on the body. It is often used after surgery to kill any leftover cancer cells and is usually aimed at the chest and the armpit [2].

Hormone Therapy

Most male breast cancers are hormone sensitive, meaning the cancer cells rely on hormones to grow. Hormone therapy keeps the cancer from coming back after surgery and can slow its growth if it has spread. Tamoxifen is often used; other medicines are available if tamoxifen cannot be taken [2].

Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. It is often delivered through a vein, though some medicines come in pills. It may be given after surgery to kill leftover cells, or used as an option if the cancer has spread. Targeted therapy uses medicines that attack specific chemicals inside cancer cells and block them, causing cell death. It can be used after surgery for leftover cells or as an option if the cancer has spread [2].

Treatment	What it does	When it is used
Mastectomy	Removes all breast tissue on one side, including the nipple and areola	Most common surgery for male breast cancer
Lumpectomy	Removes the cancer plus some healthy tissue; keeps the rest of the breast	Breast-conserving option, usually followed by radiation
Sentinel lymph node biopsy	Removes the first lymph nodes cancer would spread to, for testing	Checks whether the cancer has spread
Radiation therapy	Powerful energy beams aimed at the chest and armpit	After surgery, to kill leftover cells
Hormone therapy	Tamoxifen or other medicines block hormone-driven growth	Most male breast cancers are hormone sensitive
Chemotherapy	Strong medicines given by vein or as pills	After surgery, or if the cancer has spread
Targeted therapy	Medicines block specific chemicals in cancer cells	After surgery, or if the cancer has spread

What is life like during and after male breast cancer treatment?

Clinical trials offer access to studies testing new treatments, interventions, and tests to prevent, detect, treat, or manage breast cancer. Some people with breast cancer join clinical trials [2].

Talking through feelings helps. Sharing with a friend, family member, or a formal support group can make a difference, and groups exist for the families of cancer survivors too. Prayer or meditation, alone or with a spiritual adviser, can bring comfort. Gentle exercise may boost mood, and creative activities such as art, dance, and music may reduce distress. Guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation are relaxation techniques that can be done alone or with an instructor, with recordings and videos available [2].

Can male breast cancer be prevented?

For most men, there is no way to prevent breast cancer. Men with an increased risk have options to help lower that risk [1].

If breast cancer runs in the family, tell your doctor about any blood relative with known DNA changes. You and your doctor can decide together whether genetic testing makes sense. If you carry a DNA change, you may need regular screening, which centers on breast awareness: being familiar with the look and feel of the skin and tissue on your chest, reporting changes, and having a yearly chest exam [1].

For transgender men, screening depends on surgical history. Without gender-affirming chest surgery, talk with your doctor about screening; in general, screening guidelines for people assigned female at birth are followed. After chest surgery, breast cancer is still possible but rare. A small amount of breast tissue often remains, so it helps to know the look and feel of the chest skin and to report any changes [1].

Conclusion and Next Steps

Male breast cancer is rare, but it is real. Men are born with breast tissue, so a painless chest lump, skin changes, or nipple discharge should never be ignored. Most men diagnosed are in their 60s, and the cancer is usually ductal carcinoma. Treatment typically starts with mastectomy, supported by radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy depending on stage and tumor testing. The earlier the cancer is found, the more treatment options there are.

Take action: If you notice a new lump, skin change, or nipple discharge on your chest, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can men get breast cancer?

Yes. Everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue, so anyone can get breast cancer. In men it is rare and most often diagnosed in men in their 60s, though it can occur at any age.

What are the early signs of breast cancer in men?

The most common sign is a painless lump or thickening of the skin on the chest. Other signs include skin dimpling, puckering, scaling, or color changes, nipple changes such as turning inward, and nipple discharge or bleeding.

What causes breast cancer in men?

The exact cause is not clearly known. DNA changes in breast tissue cells make them grow quickly and avoid normal cell death. Risk factors include older age, family history, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene changes, Klinefelter syndrome, liver disease, obesity, testicle disease or surgery, and estrogen-related medicines.

How is male breast cancer treated?

Treatment usually starts with surgery, most often a mastectomy that removes all breast tissue on one side including the nipple and areola. Radiation, hormone therapy (often tamoxifen), chemotherapy, and targeted therapy may follow, depending on the stage and the cancer's hormone receptors and DNA changes.

What does a biopsy show before treatment starts?

A biopsy confirms the diagnosis and shows whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors (estrogen, progesterone) or the HER2 protein, and whether specific DNA changes are present. These results, along with staging scans, shape the treatment plan.

Trusted External Resources

• National Cancer Institute: Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)

Related Reading

BRCA Testing: Who Should Get It, How It Works and What Results Mean explains who should consider genetic testing for inherited BRCA changes linked to this cancer.

References

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. Male breast cancer - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. May 15, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374740

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Male breast cancer - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. May 15, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-breast-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374745

3. PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. National Cancer Institute. Updated February 28, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/hp/male-breast-treatment-pdq

4. Cook B, Nayar S, Filson S, Yap T. The incidence of male breast cancer in Klinefelter Syndrome and its proposed mechanisms. Breast. 2024;78:103827. PMID 39467394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.breast.2024.103827

5. Colciago RR, Lancellotta V, De Santis MC, et al. The role of radiation therapy in the multidisciplinary management of male breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis on behalf of the Clinical Oncology Breast Cancer Group (COBCG). Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2024;204:104537. PMID 39454738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104537

6. Abunasser S, Al-Taweel R, Elnatsheh S, et al. Male breast cancer in Arab populations: a systematic review of molecular, genetic, and clinicopathologic characteristics. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst. 2026;38(1). PMID 42766234. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43046-026-00408-0