Male breast cancer

Male breast cancer is an uncommon but potentially deadly disorder. One man for every 100 women is affected. There were approximately 2,000 cases in 2007, with 450 deaths. Male breast cancer is diagnosed and treated much like female breast cancer, with surgery the primary treatment. Other treatment modalities include radiation, hormone therapy with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, biological agents such as trastuzumab, and chemotherapy with agents such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel. Because male breast cancer often metastasizes to the bone, bisphosphonates are used to prevent skeletal problems and alleviate pain. Survival is based on the extent of the cancer's invasiveness (staging).