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Overview
Male breast cancer is a disease that strikes a relatively small number of men every year, especially when compared to female patients. However, it is a serious problem that many men live through and it usually strikes when they're 60-70 years of age. By knowing the symptoms, men can seek help earlier and better their chances of fighting the disease.
Discharge
Male breast cancer often carries the symptom of discharge that comes from the nipple. This discharge typically comes from the nipple where the cancer is found, though in some cases it may appear on both nipples. The discharge is usually clear or milky white in color and odorless. If the breast cancer spreads, the nipple discharge may become quite pronounced. Not all men experience this symptom though, especially in the early stages, but it has been found in some cases.
Lump
The No. 1 symptom associated with breast cancer of any kind, including male breast cancer, is a lump located underneath the breast. This lump may be quite small and around the size of a pea or it can be much larger, especially if the cancer is left untreated. If the lump isn't noticed, men may instead notice that a certain portion of their skin becomes harder or thicker as the cancer grows under their skin.
Texture/Color
Many men diagnosed with male breast cancer identify a symptom such as a color or texture change. This usually affects the nipple, the area around the nipple or the skin located near the lump. In some cases the area turns a deep shade of red, while in other cases it looks slightly pink. They may also notice something called scaling, which tends to look like dry skin centralized to one area. These texture and color changes typically affect the area around the cancer.
Skin Changes
Changes to the skin are a main symptom of male breast cancer, with these changes occurring on or near the breasts. The skin often takes on a dimpled look as if small indents were made with a finger. This is sometimes compared to the way the skin of an orange looks because of the small round spots on the surface of the breast. In other situations, the skin looks puckered and tight, which is also a symptom.
Nipple Changes
Many men diagnosed with male breast cancer identify symptoms relating to changes in their nipple. The nipple often looks indented. They may notice small indentations on the edges of the nipple or areola. In other cases the nipple will become retracted and begin to push in on itself. A small number of men with male breast cancer will find that their nipple becomes completely indented and pushed inside the breast. When this happens, they will seek medical treatment but often don't have any other symptoms.
