Male breast cancer

[PennyPippin]

Hello, I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with this?

My DH (33) has pain in his nipple and a hard lump behind it. He saw the GP on Monday evening and was referred to hospital urgently. GP said the two-week wait was now four weeks in our area so would probably be mid-July before he was seen. The hospital called on Thursday with an appointment for this Monday. Obviously it’s good to not have to wait, but I’m concerned that this means they think there is something sinister that needs seeing straight away.

DH is usually very placid and calm, but he’s now losing his temper over minor things and is clearly really worried. He won’t tell any family or friends so it just feels like a big horrible secret between us two.

Any advice on what to expect at the appointment and how I can support him?

I can’t tell you about the UK.
Typically, in Australia, it would be an ultrasound and biopsy under local anaesthetic if needed.
Any family history of breast cancer or prostate cancer?

His aunt has just recovered from breast cancer. He doesn’t know about any other cases of either in his family but he won’t ask his parents because he doesn’t want them to know.

Typically, in Australia, it would be an ultrasound and biopsy under local anaesthetic if needed.

Same in the UK, apart from no local anaesthetic, a nurse just held my hand. That might have changed or depend on hospital, I don't know.

I don't know about male breast cancer specifically but there was a man hving treatment when I did.

Obviously it’s good to not have to wait, but I’m concerned that this means they think there is something sinister that needs seeing straight away.

This is the whole point of the 2 week wait. A GP sees something that could be a red flag for cancer. GP can't make the diagnosis without tests so refers to the hospital under 2ww system. It's all fast tracked then. Most will not be cancer.

This is what happens at a breast clinic if that is where his appointment is.
In July 2019 I found a lump which turned out to be cancer. I had my two years all clear in August.
The breast clinic is a one stop shop. They have doctors, radiologists and specialist breast care nurses. They normally do a mammogram first but I don't know for men. Then see the doctor who will have the results in front of her. The doctor will examine you and then arrange an ultrasound. They may do a biopsy at that point as well.
Then you go back in to see the doctor.
Their expertise is such that they often know at this point whether it’s cancer and they will tell you if they think it’s likely, they won’t send you home without a clue.
This can easily take 3 or 4 hours but at the end you have a good idea what’s wrong.

Thank you for all the responses.

Being seen quicker is just the luck of the draw he was lucky maybe fewer referrals or some cancellations.
I didn't tell anyone until after the initial appointment as no point us all panicking and not sleeping. Once I'd been to that and knew I had to return for results I told my husband once I knew it was cancer I told others. I'm 9 years clear now lumpectomy, rads and chemo early diagnosis is a good thing.
Hope it goes well.

A male friend has just finished their treatment for breast cancer.

It was brutal but 9 months on he's in the clear and doing well and just retuned to work.

Well they rang and cancelled the appointment as we were just leaving the house. Rescheduled to next Monday.

Although he may have found it "brutal" it isn't for everyone it's tough yes but doable and yes very survivable.

That’s disappointing.
Good luck for Monday

The GP prescribed naproxen in case it’s just inflammation, but it hasn’t helped with the pain or the lump in the 13 days so far, which is making us more concerned.

Fingers crossed that tomorrow’s appointment isn’t cancelled.

Hope all goes well x

Just to chip in with an ex's story - he developed a lump young and it turned out to be a cyst. It caused him discomfort as it appeared but as it reached what turned out to be its final size (a large marble) it stopped causing discomfort and he decided to leave it be, rather than have it removed.

DH got the all clear. Ultrasound showed Gynecomastia so some blood tests for possible hormonal issues needed, but that’s it.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply.

Glad to hear all ok!

The best news ever!

Great news