Kimberly Shannon

Men have a minute amount of nonfunctioning breast tissue. And although it is true that these breast tissue cannot generate milk, or serve any purpose, they are susceptible to a mutation of the cells that can lead to male breast cancer.

These tissues are centralized in the area right behind the nipple that is present on the chest. Similar to breast cancer in women, male breast cancer occurs due to the unrestrained increase in the cells of the breast tissue.

There are tubular structures or ducts in the breast tissue of both girls as well as boys. A the time of puberty, ovaries present in girls generate female hormones called estrogen. The estrogen causes the ducts to expand and lobules, which are the milk glands, are developed at the ends of these ducts. The amount of fat as well as connective tissue inside the breast also enlarges as the girl attains puberty.

But at the same time, male hormones like testosterone, which are produced by the testes, prevent the development of the breast tissue as well as the growth of lobules. The male breast, as a result, has very small under developed ducts and a minute quantity of fat along with connective tissues.

Male breast cancer is not a very common disease and it accounts for, just about 1% of all types of breast cancers put together. Statistically speaking breast cancer is far more widespread in women as compared to men. The majority of cases for male breast cancer are seen in men who are between the ages of 55 and 70, even though the situation may arise in men of any age.

Men are far less in danger of developing breast cancer and in fact only approximately one in every thousand men ever do.

Research suggests that both environmental influences as well as genetic or inherited aspects are likely to contribute to a part in its growth.

There have been studies that indicate people who become exposed to ionizing waves are at a great risk. People who have in the past undergone therapy using radiation in order to take care of malignancies found in the chest area like Hodgkin's lymphoma are at a risk for the growth of breast cancer. Lymphoma is a kind of cancer that involves the cells related to the immune system which are called lymphocytes.

If any breast cancer symptoms are detected, then call the doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible.