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You may find it interesting to learn that men have a minute amount of non-functioning breast tissue. And although it is true that this breast tissue does not of course ever produce milk, or serve any purpose, it is susceptible to a mutation of the cells that can lead to male breast cancer.

This non-muscular tissue is in the area directly 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 or ducts in the breast tissue of both boys as well as girls. At the time of puberty, ovaries present in the girl generate female hormones called estrogen. The estrogen causes the ducts to expand and lobules, which are 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 as well as 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 found most often in men between the ages of 55 and 70. However the disease can also be seen in men at any age.

Men are far less in danger of developing breast cancer and in fact only approximately one in every thousand men ever do.

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 play 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 call the doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible.