Does transition affect breast cancer care in transgenders?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Male breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the breast. A family history of breast cancer and other factors can increase a man's risk of breast cancer. Male breast cancer is sometimes caused by inherited gene mutations (changes). Men with breast cancer usually have lumps that can be felt. Tests that examine the breasts are used to diagnose breast cancer in men. If cancer is found, tests are done to study the cancer cells.

Survival for men with breast cancer is similar to survival for women with breast cancer. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options. Breast cancer may occur in men. Breast cancer may occur in men at any age, but it usually occurs in men between 60 and 70 years of age. Male breast cancer makes up less than one percent of all cases of breast cancer.

The following types of breast cancer are found in men:

1. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma: Cancer that has spread beyond the cells lining ducts in the breast. This is the most common type of breast cancer in men.

2. Ductal carcinoma in situ: Abnormal cells found in the lining of a duct; also called intraductal carcinoma.

3. Inflammatory breast cancer is a type of cancer in which the breast looks red and swollen and feels warm.

4. Paget disease of the nipple: A tumor that has grown from ducts beneath the nipple onto the surface of the nipple.

5. Lobular carcinoma in situ (abnormal cells found in one of the lobes or sections of the breast), which sometimes occurs in women, has not been seen in men.

Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors does not mean that you will not get cancer. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk. Risk factors for breast cancer in men may include the following:

Treatment with radiation therapy to your breast or chest.

1. Having a disease linked to high levels of estrogen in the body, such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic disorder).

2. Having one or more female relatives who have had breast cancer.

3. Having mutations (changes) in genes such as BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2).

4. Lumps and other signs may be caused by male breast cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following: A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area. A change in the size or shape of the breast. A dimple or puckering in the skin of the breast. A nipple turned inward into the breast. Fluid from the nipple, especially if it is bloody. Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple). Dimples in the breast that look like the skin of an orange are called peau d’orange.

Investigations to be done are as follows:

1. Physical examination and healthy history.

2. Clinical breast exam.

3. Mammography.

4. Ultrasound.

5. Biopsy.

6. Excisional biopsy.

7. Incisional biopsy.

8. Fine needle aspiration.

9. Core biopsy.

Treatment of the patient:

1. MDTA (multidisciplinary team advice).

2. Breast oncology surgeon.

3. Medical oncology.

4. Histopathologist.

5. Radiologist.

6. Psychiatrist and psychotherapist.

7. The stage of the cancer (the size of the tumor and whether it is in the breast only or has spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body).

8. The type of breast cancer.

9. Estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor levels in the tumor tissue.

10. Whether the cancer is also found in the other breast.

11. The man's age and general health.

12. Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).

I hope this helps.