What are the other Names for this Condition? (also Known as/Synonyms)
- ACC of the Breast in Men
- Adenoid Cystic Breast Cancer in Men
- Adenoid Cystic Breast Carcinoma in Men
What is Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men? (Definition/Background Information)
- Breast cancer in men, is a rare form of cancer that begins in the breast tissue of men. The cancer occurs, when normal cells become abnormal and grows uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor. There are many different types of breast cancers. The most common type of breast cancer in men is called infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast
- Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) of the Breast in Men is a rare subtype of breast cancer that results in malignant tumor growth. This type of cancer can occur in both men and women. While, Adenoid Cystic Breast Carcinoma is most commonly present in women, it has been known to develop in males as well, although in significantly smaller numbers
- In most cases, ACC of the Breast in Men originates in the milk duct and spreads to glandular tissues of the breast. When it forms, the breast tissue becomes firm, tender, and becomes a moveable mass
- Adenoid cystic tumors are known as “triple negatives”. This is because these cells do not express the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, or the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor 2) receptor. This results in low estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as, under-expression of HER2. These receptor tests are performed as special tests in a pathology laboratory and examined by a pathologist
- While most “triple negative” cancers have a poor prognosis, ACC of the Breast in Men has actually been associated with favorable survival rates. In many cases, individuals with this cancer have been able to improve their condition and continue a better quality of life
Who gets Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men? (Age and Sex Distribution)
- Adenoid Cystic Breast Carcinoma is most commonly present in women. It may develop in males as well, though the incident rate is very low
- ACC of the Breast in Men is a rare type of breast cancer. Most cases occur in older men
What are the Risk Factors for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men? (Predisposing Factors)
Currently, no commonly accepted risk factors are known, for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men.
However, one’s chances of developing any cancer types may increase, depending on various risk factors that include:
- Growing older
- Use of tobacco, smoking
- High alcohol consumption
- Poor diet
- Low physical activity
- Being overweight
- Family history of cancer
These factors may contribute to the likelihood of developing ACC of the Breast in Men, since they have also been found to contribute to the formation of other cancers in the body.
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.
Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.
What are the Causes of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men? (Etiology)
- The exact cause of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men is yet to be determined. The causes of general forms of the cancer may possibly be applied to ACC of the Breast
- Many cancer types are caused by genetic mutations. These can occur, due to inherited mutations, or mutations that occur due to environmental factors
- Research has found abnormal characteristics on chromosomes 6, 12, 13, and 19 in ACC tumor cells. This may likely contribute to tumor growth in the breast, characteristic of ACC of the Breast
- A poor diet and lack of physical activity may also contribute to the cause of cancer. Unhealthy food choices and avoiding physical activities can increase one’s likelihood of developing health risks, which could ultimately lead to cancerous tumor growth
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men?
Common signs and symptoms of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men include:
- Tender, painful tissue mass in breast. The mass can be painless as well.
- Nipple discharge which can be bloody
- Fatigue
- Fever
How is Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men Diagnosed?
Most cases of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men are diagnosed, based on the signs and symptoms:
- Physical exam and evaluation of medical history is very important. If there is a feeling of tenderness or a lump in the breasts, breast cancer may be the likely cause
- Biopsy of the mass is performed to confirm the diagnosis: A pathologist examines the biopsy under the microscope. ACC has certain distinctive microscopic features, which helps the pathologist arrive at a definitive diagnosis. In ACC breast tumors, cells tend to be small and uniform, containing very little cytoplasm, smooth chromatin, and very few nuclei. If extracellular metachromatic spheres are present, it may be ACC of the Breast
- Pathologist may also look for the presence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors through special stains. If these are absent, it is likely that Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast is present
Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.
What are the possible Complications of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men?
Complications may arise due to Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men. These include:
- Pain is one of the most common complications that can occur. It can be caused by the cancer itself, and/or by the treatment that is administered
- Weight loss is another complication that can arise. This is most often due to the treatment provided against cancer and is generally, not due to the cancer itself
- The cancer can, at times, also metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. With Adenoid Cystic Breast Cancer in Men, the cancer can spread to the lungs, liver, and bones
How is Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men Treated?
- The most common and effective treatment for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men is a complete surgical removal of the tumor growth, with clean margins. This can be done via:
- In some cases, radiation therapy has been used to treat ACC of the Breast. This involves using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. This type of treatment must be done with caution, because radiation can also negatively impact the normally functioning cells
- Chemotherapy has also been used to treat ACC of the Breast in Men. This type of treatment involves the use of cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, to kill the cells that rapidly divide. However, its effectiveness is yet to be determined
- It is important to undertake follow-up checkups that involve imaging the original site of the tumor and other areas that the tumor may have metastasized to. This helps in visualizing, if the cancer has returned; in which case, suitable early treatment may be provided
How can Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men be Prevented?
- Currently, no known preventative measures are available against Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men. There is very little information on the cause and risk factors of the breast tumor; hence, its prevention is also unknown
- Nevertheless, the individual must regularly conduct breast self-exams, to ensure that no lumps or tumors are present
What is the Prognosis of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men? (Outcomes/Resolutions)
- Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men has generally a better prognosis, compared to most other forms of breast cancer
- The prognosis in general depends on the stage of the cancer, at the time of diagnosis. Higher the stage of cancer, worse is the prognosis
- Although, cases of metastasis and death have been observed, most individuals have been able to recover, by using proper treatment methods
- With ACC of the Breast in Men, regular checkups should be undertaken throughout the individual’s life. This can ensure that the cancer does not arise again, or is detected early and treated properly, should it arise
Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast in Men:
The following article links will help you understand breast cancer in men and breast biopsy by excision procedure.
https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/
https://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/breast-biopsy-by-excision/
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