Male Breast Cancer (cont.)
What is the outcome (prognosis) of male breast cancer?
The prognosis of a patient with male breast cancer is considered similarly to breast cancer in a woman. Overall survival rates for each tumor stage are similar for men and women. Since men have less breast tissue than women, it is more common for breast cancers in men to have spread beyond the breast when they are identified, resulting in a more advanced tumor stage at diagnosis.
Five-year survival rates (meaning the percentage of patients who live for at
least five years following diagnosis) reported for male breast cancer by stage
are:
- Stage 0 - 100%
- Stage I - 96%
- Stage II - 84%
- Stage III - 52%
- Stage
IV - 24%
These survival rates were calculated using historical
data, and it is likely
that current treatments will lead to even greater survival rates for those
recently diagnosed.
- Male breast cancer is rare and accounts for only
about 1% of all breast cancers.
- Breast cancer risk in men is increased by elevated levels of
estrogen, previous radiation exposure, and a family history of
breast cancer.
- Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most common type
of male breast cancer.
- A lump beneath the nipple is the most common symptom
of male breast cancer.
- Male breast cancer is staged (reflecting the extent
of tumor spread) identically to breast cancer in women.
- Surgery is the most common initial treatment for male
breast cancer; chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy are also
administered.
- The prognosis of male breast cancer, like breast cancer in
women, is predominantly influenced by tumor stage.
References: The American Cancer Society
The National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health
Last Editorial Review: 5/5/2008
- methotrexate, Rheumatrex, Trexall - Describes the medication methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex) a drug used in treating certain diseases associated with abnormally rapid cell growth. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, signs, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
Latest Medical News
Cancer RSS