A Key Concern for Men with Gynecomastia
At Evita Clinic, we see many international patients with gynecomastia — a condition where the male chest becomes enlarged due to excess glandular or fatty tissue.
While most cases are benign, we are often asked:
“Could this be cancer?”
The short answer is:
In almost all cases, no.
But in rare cases, yes — and we always check.
How Rare Is Male Breast Cancer?
Male breast cancer is extremely uncommon.
According to the 2014 data from the Korean National Cancer Information Center :
- It accounts for only 0.5% of all breast cancer cases.
- In 2012, out of 224,177 total cancer cases, only 68 were male breast cancer — just 0.03%.
- Most cases occur in men over 50 years of age, especially in their 50s (27.9%) and 70s (23.5%).
So, for the vast majority of men with breast lumps, the cause is not cancer, but gynecomastia.
However, Some Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored
If you experience the following, further investigation is recommended:
- A firm, fixed lump under or near the nipple
- Nipple retraction or flattening
- Nipple discharge (clear or bloody)
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Swelling or a lump in the
How We Diagnose at Evita Clinic
Some patient undergoes thorough evaluation:
- High-resolution breast ultrasound
- If suspicious, a tissue biopsy using Mammotome (vacuum-assisted biopsy) or core needle
- Blood cancer marking testing if indicated
And importantly:
All glandular tissue removed during gynecomastia surgery is routinely sent for pathological analysis,
even if the case appears benign.
This is our commitment to safety and thoroughness.
Why This Matters for You
Although cancer is rare, early detection saves lives.
Some men delay care due to embarrassment or misunderstanding. At Evita Clinic, we provide:
- Confidential, respectful care
- Expertise in male chest conditions
- Direct access to diagnostic imaging
- Transparent explanation of every finding
Why This Matters for You
Although cancer is rare, early detection saves lives.
Some men delay care due to embarrassment or misunderstanding. At Evita Clinic, we provide:
- Confidential, respectful care
- Expertise in male chest conditions
- Direct access to diagnostic imaging
- Transparent explanation of every finding
Summary for Our International Patients
- Male breast cancer is very rare, but should not be overlooked.
- Most male breast lumps are gynecomastia, not cancer.
- At Evita Clinic, we provide safe, precise diagnosis and surgery — with routine pathology for every patient.
