How to treat male breast cancer

Males have breast tissue that do not produce milk but can still be susceptible to cancer just like females. Male breast cancer is rare but it can be deadly. Fortunately male breast cancer is usually detected early and it can be treated effectively. Many of the cases that are diagnosed are found in males around the ages of 60-70. For treatment to be effective, it will depend on the condition of the patient in order to determine what treatments can be used. Some patients that are in their late 70s and have poor health may wise to avoid treatment.

Surgery is the first option for males that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In order to effectively remove the cancer cells you need to not only remove the breast tissue the surgeon will also need to remove some of the muscle tissue that is surrounding the chest. Some of the other treatments besides surgery include the following:

• Hormone therapy


• Radiation therapy


• Chemotherapy


• Targeted therapy

Perhaps the most well known treatment method for male breast cancer is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs that will stop the growth of the cancer cells. These drugs are often administered as an injection, intravenous infusion, or as pills. In order to effectively treat cancer cells the doctor will determine if a combination of treatments should be given or if it is possible to treat cancer with just one of the methods. While chemotherapy can effectively treat male breast cancer it also includes a series of side effects that are less than pleasant. These are the most common side effects you may have to deal with:

• Hair loss


• Nausea


• Diarrhea


• Vomiting

If the doctor feels it is necessary they may prescribe radiation therapy. This type of therapy will destroy the tumor cells but it can also cause other health concerns as the effects of high amounts of radiation exposure are not yet known. A machine can be used to deliver radiation externally or there is another method which is to have it delivered internally.

Another way to help treat male breast cancer is by using hormonal therapy. With hormonal therapy you will be given tamoxifen. This will block estrogen from feeding the cancer cells. Hormonal therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat male breast cancer however you can experience some side effects such as weight gain, impotence, hot flashes, and also mood changes.

Finally the last treatment option for male breast cancer is to use targeted therapy. This will involve targeting of the cancer cells specifically. Targeted therapy is only available to use on specific types of cancer so it is not always a treatment option for all males with breast cancer.

One option you may wish to consider with male breast cancer is to participate in a clinical trial. This may help you with treatment and paying for treatment as the clinical trial will provide for everything if you will come provide them with information pertaining to the way in which you are responding to the treatments. If the clinical trial finds new medicine and other things that will treat cancer, you will have the benefit of being healed without needing to pay thousands of dollars for treatment. Plus you will be among the first individuals out there that actually get to receive treatment, which means you will be cured quickly.

Speak to your doctor if you are interested in a clinical trial along with the different treatments that are needed to treat male breast cancer. They may refer you to a different state where some clinical trials are occurring along with certain medical facilities that will provide more extensive treatment options compared to what they can offer you.