When the biopsy revealed cancer, Roundtree was referred to an oncologist and underwent a mastectomy . A modified radical mastectomy is the most common form of surgery for male breast cancer and involves removing the breast, the lining over the chest muscles, and part of the chest wall muscles. After surgery, Roundtree underwent six months of chemotherapy to help destroy any remaining cancer cells. Fortunately, Roundtree s cancer was detected early enough for treatment to be successful. However, because breast cancer is far less common in men than in women, and many men believe that only women get breast cancer, men often ignore the early signs of breast cancer, attributing them to infection or another cause.
Some men are embarrassed to find a breast lump and delay making an appointment with their physician.
Since men usually have less breast tissue than women, male breast cancer does not need to grow far to intrude into the skin and muscles underneath the breast. Men who experience signs of breast cancer should see a physician. Copyright 1997-2001 Imaginis Corporation. All rights reserved. Imaginis is a registered service mark of Imaginis Corporation, a health services company.