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Learn what men need to know about mammograms with Meri Sehat. Prioritize preventive screenings for optimal health.

Mammogram For Men: What You Need To Know

Introduction

When it comes to <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/mammograms">mammograms</a>, most people think it concerns women only. Since men are less likely to develop breast cancer than women, the term doesn&rsquo;t immediately bring to mind that the condition affects both men and women and that mammograms are a screening tool for breast cancer for both genders<a href="#accordion">[1].</a>&nbsp;

That means it&rsquo;s pretty important for men to be familiar with mammograms for their own sake, too. Being aware of their breast health and screening options can help with early diagnosis and treatment.

&nbsp;

Understanding about mammogram in men

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue that detects cancerous lumps or abnormal masses. 
&nbsp;

Breast cancers in men are fewer than 1% of all cases<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. However, their fatality rate is the same as women.

Men with a family history of breast cancer or with genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and CHEK2 mutations) have a high risk of developing the disease.

Other risk factors for breast cancer in men include:

<ul>
	<li>Age: &nbsp;Breast cancer risk increases as men get older. It is usually diagnosed in men who are 60 and above.</li>
	<li>Hormonal Imbalances: Men with either high estrogen levels or low testosterone levels may be at higher risk than otherwise. For instance, some individuals need hormone therapy for prostate cancer, which increases their risk of breast cancer. Obesity or liver disease can also lead to high estrogen levels.</li>
	<li>Klinefelter&rsquo;s Syndrome: This is a genetic syndrome wherein boys have more than one copy of the X chromosome at birth. The testicles develop abnormally and as a result, they suffer from low levels of androgens and high levels of estrogens.</li>
	<li>Radiation Exposure: Men who have had radiation therapy to the chest are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Here are some factors to consider when deciding if and when a man should take a mammogram: 
&nbsp;

<h5>Symptoms</h5>

Men should consider taking a mammogram if they experience symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the breast area, or changes in the nipple like puckering, redness, or nipple discharge. These symptoms don&rsquo;t necessarily indicate cancer. But, it&rsquo;s important to consult a doctor, especially if they last for at least two weeks. A mammogram can confirm if they have harmless male breast tissue or a cancerous tumor. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Family History</h5>

Men with a family history of breast cancer should discuss with their healthcare provider whether mammography is appropriate for them and when they should begin screening.

Having a strong family history entails the diagnosis of breast cancer in both breasts/experienced an early onset breast cancer/ diagnosed with ovarian cancer in at least two first-degree relatives or three second-degree relatives.

All these conditions imply an inherited risk of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, which can cause prostate cancer or breast cancer in men.

Once the doctor determines the individual&rsquo;s risk via genetic counseling, they&rsquo;ll order a mammogram screening. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Risk Factors</h5>

Men with other risk factors for breast cancer, such as exposure to radiation or gynecomastia, should also discuss with their healthcare provider whether mammography is appropriate for them and when they should begin screening. 
&nbsp;

Note: Mammography is not a routine screening test for breast cancer in men as it is for women, and each individual&#39;s situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 
&nbsp;

Mammograms are a screening tool to detect early signs of breast cancer. Here are the steps involved in a mammogram for men: 
&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>
	<h5>Preparation</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>The patient is asked to undress from the waist up and put on a gown.</li>
	<li>Men should avoid wearing deodorant, lotion, or powder on their chest area on the day of the mammogram, as these substances can interfere with the images. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ol start="2">
	<li>
	<h5>Imaging</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>During the mammogram, the patient stands in front of an X-ray machine with their arms raised above their head.</li>
	<li>Each breast fits onto a flat X-ray plate. Then, a compressor pushes the breast down to flatten the tissue and provide a clearer picture. The patient needs to hold their breath for each picture.</li>
	<li>The technician takes images from different angles to get a complete picture of the breast tissue. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ol start="3">
	<li>
	<h5>Discomfort</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>The compression of the breast tissue during the mammogram can cause some degree of discomfort or even pain, but this should only last a few seconds.</li>
	<li>Men with larger or more tender breasts may experience more discomfort during the procedure. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ol start="4">
	<li>
	<h5>Duration</h5>
	</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>The entire mammogram procedure typically takes about 20 minutes. The doctor reviews the images as they are made and orders extra images if something needs further attention or retakes if something seems to be unclear. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Normal mammogram results in men are similar to those in women. If the mammogram is normal, it means that there are no signs of breast cancer or other abnormalities.

However, if the mammogram shows an abnormality, further testing may be necessary. This includes imaging tests, like ultrasound or breast MRI, or a biopsy to determine if the abnormality is cancerous. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

While breast cancer in men is rare, it&#39;s still important for men to be aware of their breast health and to undergo screening if necessary.

Men who are recommended to undergo a mammogram should discuss the procedure with their healthcare provider and prepare for potential discomfort during the imaging process. Early detection of breast cancer can lead to better treatment outcomes, and mammograms play an important role in achieving this goal. 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Breast cancer is rare in men, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.</li>
	<li>Men with a family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast cancer need to undergo screening.</li>
	<li>Mammograms are not typically recommended as a routine screening test for men. They may be used to diagnose or monitor breast cancer in men with symptoms such as a lump or changes in the breast tissue.</li>
</ul>