Approximately 1 in 850 men have Klinefelter s syndrome. Because men have significantly less breast tissue than most women, a breast lump or other abnormality is usually much easier to detect with physical examination on a man than on a woman. However, male breast cancer tends to affect the skin and muscles underneath the breast more quickly than female breast cancer. While male breast cancer tends to be smaller when found, it is more likely to have spread past the breast than female breast cancer. If a physician is concerned about his or her findings during a clinical breast exam, he or she may order a mammogram to further investigate the breast abnormality.
Diagnostic mammography involves taking x-ray images of the breast.
In some cases, special mammography views such as spot compression or magnification are needed. Additional tests such as ultrasound or a nipple discharge examination may also be ordered. A biopsy involves taking samples of breast tissue for pathological examination under a microscope. A biopsy is the only definitive way to determine whether breast cancer is present. Click here to learn about the different methods of breast biopsy.