Check For Lumps

HMS7903

A few weeks ago for no reason whatsoever I decided to give myself a breast examination. Being male this is not something I have ever considered. Sure enough I felt a tiny lump under my left nipple. I was ready to just keep this to myself (typical guy) and continue to monitor the situation. Fortunately I mentioned it to my wife (a breast cancer survivor) who insisted that I go see my doctor. Thank God she did.

After examining me my doc didn't think that there was anything suspicious but to his credit he set up some tests. The next day I received a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. Five days later I was told that the biopsy came back malignant. He immediately referred me to a surgeon who I saw the next day. Two days later I had a sentinel node biopsy and mastectomy. The pathology indicated that my tumour was 8 mm., stage 0, grade 1 and totally encapsulated. No treatment or further medication is necessary. Early detection is so important!! End of story.....hopefully. Please share this story with your male friends and family members.

MizMimi

thank you for posting your experience!!!

Traveltext

I wasn't diagnosed as early as you unfortunately. I had to beg my doctor to send me for an ultrasound despite me having lost my mum young to bc. Once diagnosed I received excellent treatment but I envy those, like you,that had more immediate attention. I certainly try to educate other guys to be aware bc can happen to them.

cliff

a caution, diabetics get this thing called neuropathy, it makes your feet feel like a red hot cheese grater is being used on them and your hands numb. the numb hands part is what got me, I didn't feel a lump till it hurt. 24 years to same doctor, 4 times a year, and the only time he checked my breasts was when I said " hey doc, something hurts" I don't know why more doctors don't at least check men manually for breast cancer, how much could it cost them? how much fun when after surgery it turns out to be stage 4 breast cancer and already spread?

Traveltext

It's not an economical possibility to screen all males for bc because we are only one percent of the total of new cases. However, I'd like to see men with a family history of the disease included in public screening programs. That would make a huge difference.

cliff

how much does it cost to do a manual breast exam on a guy in a doctors office? Kansas does have public screening services, a mammogram truck that drives around the state. they advertise on local city channels, but only mention women. I called them, and they said they do have mammograms for men, up to 60, but more services for women. they aren't interested in changing their advertising to include men.

Traveltext

Again, public screening for men is not feasible. But, as you say, as part of your doctor's visit, it could be routine if you tell your doctor that you are at risk or worried about lumps. Also, you should also learn how to check yourself, since it's very easy to feel a breast lump for most men. Often this is diagnosed as gynecomastia, but in rare cases, it can be bc.

cliff

self checks don't work for diabetics with neuropathy like me, your hands go numb that's how I missed my lump till it was hurting and already stage 4. better safe than stage 4 sorry.