Article by 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.

This non-muscular tissue is in the region specifically 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 called 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. This causes the ducts to expand and the milk glands are developed at the ends of these ducts. The quantity 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 and the growth of lobules. This results in under developed ducts in the male breast of which only contain 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 one hundred times more widespread in women as compared to men. The majority of cases for male breast cancer are found in men who are between the ages of 55 and 70, even though the disease may arise in men of any age.

Only about 1 in every 1000 men are stricken with this disease.

The reason for male breast cancer has not been completely understood Research suggests that it can be genetic or inherited aspects as well as an environmental issues that are likely to contribute to a part in its growth.

There has been some research that indicates people who are exposed to ionizing waves are at a much higher level of risk for developing cancer of the breast. 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 an immediate trip to the doctor is advisable.