Medical Oncologist
CION Cancer Clinics
Male mastectomy for breast cancer | CION Cancer Clinics
Mastectomy is the usual operation for breast cancer in men. Men have little breast tissue and the cancer usually sits behind the nipple, so the surgeon removes the breast area, the nipple and usually a few lymph nodes from the armpit. Hormone tablets, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may follow. This page explains the operation, recovery, the genetic test your family may need, and what to ask your surgeon. CION Cancer Clinics’ surgical oncologists in Hyderabad can talk this through with you.
MI
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed ImaduddinConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
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On this page
- Why is mastectomy the usual operation for men with breast cancer?
- What happens before, during and after the operation?
- What other treatment might you need after surgery?
- What do men and their families wrongly believe?
- What do the words on your report mean?
- How does recovery go for men after a mastectomy?
- What should you ask your surgeon?
- Common questions about mastectomy for men
The short answer
Why is mastectomy the usual operation for men with breast cancer?
Men have very little breast tissue, and the cancer usually sits right behind the nipple. Removing the whole breast area, including the nipple, is therefore the most common operation. Keeping the breast, as many women do, is rarely practical for a man.
Men do get breast cancer
Everyone has some breast tissue, so men can develop breast cancer too. It is uncommon, which is one reason men often delay getting a chest lump checked. The operation and treatment that follow are very similar to those offered to women.
What is removed
The surgeon removes the breast tissue, the nipple and some skin over it. One or more lymph nodes from the armpit are usually taken as well, to check whether the cancer has spread there. The chest muscle is normally left in place.
Who it may not suit
If the cancer has already spread to distant organs, surgery may not be the first treatment. Men with serious heart or lung problems may need extra tests before an anaesthetic. Your team weighs these things together.
This page cannot tell you whether surgery is right for you. Only your treating team can decide that with your reports.From diagnosis to home
What happens before, during and after the operation?
Tests first
A biopsy confirms the cancer. Blood tests, an ultrasound of the armpit and sometimes a scan check how far it has spread.
The operation
Done under general anaesthetic, so you are asleep. The surgeon removes the breast tissue and nipple through a cut across the chest.
The armpit
A sentinel node biopsy removes the first few lymph nodes. If cancer is found in them, more nodes may be removed.
Going home
Many men go home within a short stay, sometimes with a drain. You will be shown arm exercises and how to care for the wound.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistTreatment that may follow
What other treatment might you need after surgery?
The pathology report on what was removed decides this. Not every man needs all of these.
Hormone tablets
Most breast cancers in men use hormones to grow. Tablets such as tamoxifen are commonly used for several years. They can cause hot flushes, low sex drive and mood changes. Tell your doctor rather than stopping.
Radiotherapy
Sometimes given to the chest wall after surgery, particularly if the lump was large, close to the skin or muscle, or several lymph nodes were involved.
Chemotherapy
Offered when the cancer is more likely to come back, such as when it has reached the lymph nodes or grows quickly. Sometimes given before surgery instead.
A genetic test
Breast cancer in men is more often linked to an inherited gene change, especially BRCA2.
Why it helps the family
- Daughters and sisters may need earlier screening
- Sons may carry the same change
- It can affect prostate screening for you
Commonly believed
What do men and their families wrongly believe?
"A lump in a man's chest is just fat or a swollen gland."
Most chest lumps in men are harmless breast tissue growth. But a firm lump, especially near the nipple, needs checking. Men often come late because they assume it is nothing.
"Breast cancer is a women's disease, so this must be a mistake."
The diagnosis is made from a biopsy under the microscope. It is not a mistake because you are a man. The embarrassment is real, but it should not delay treatment.
"Men should just have the lump cut out, not the whole breast."
Because there is so little tissue, removing only the lump rarely leaves a safe rim of normal tissue around it. That is why the whole area is usually removed.
"Nobody else in the family needs to know."
If a gene change is found, your relatives, including the women, may benefit from testing and earlier screening. Sharing the result can protect them.
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On your report
What do the words on your report mean?
- Gynaecomastia
- Harmless swelling of breast tissue in men. It is not cancer, but it can feel like a lump.
- Sentinel lymph node
- The first lymph node that fluid from the breast drains to. If it is clear, other nodes are usually clear too.
- ER positive
- The cancer cells have receptors for the hormone oestrogen, so hormone tablets are likely to help.
- Margin
- The rim of normal tissue around what was removed. A clear margin means no cancer cells were found at the edge.
- Adjuvant
- Treatment given after surgery to lower the chance of the cancer coming back.
Recovery
How does recovery go for men after a mastectomy?
Physical recovery is much the same as for women. The chest wound heals over some weeks, and the arm on that side needs gentle exercise to regain full movement.
The chest afterwards
The chest will look flat on one side with a straight scar, and without a nipple. Under a shirt it is rarely noticed. Some men feel self-conscious at the gym, a swimming pool or a temple tank. Nipple tattoos or minor reshaping are options some men ask about later.
Work and daily life
Office work can often resume sooner than heavy manual work. Driving waits until you can turn the wheel quickly and wear a seat belt comfortably. Ask your surgeon before lifting anything heavy.
Feelings men do not always mention
Men often keep worry to themselves and may feel embarrassed to have a cancer linked with women. Low mood, anger or trouble sleeping are common. Counselling is available, and talking to one trusted person helps more than most men expect.
Before you agree
What should you ask your surgeon?
A good consultation leaves you knowing why this operation, what will be removed, and what comes next. Write your questions down before you go.
About the operation
Ask how much skin will be removed, where the scar will be and whether a drain is expected. Ask whether a sentinel node biopsy is planned or whether more of the armpit needs to be cleared, and why.
About what comes after
Ask whether radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone tablets are likely, and when the plan will be confirmed. Ask about genetic testing for you and your family.
About your medicines
Bring every medicine you take, including blood thinners and diabetes tablets. The surgeon and anaesthetist will tell you what to do with each one before the operation. Do not stop any of them on your own.
About support
Ask whether a breast care nurse or counsellor can see you, and whether your wife or son can join the consultation. Men are often told less because they ask less. You are entitled to the same explanation and the same support that any woman having this operation would receive.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about mastectomy for men
How common is breast cancer in men?
It is uncommon. Only a small share of all breast cancers are found in men, and it is more often seen in older men. Because few men know it can happen, a lump is often ignored for months. Any firm chest lump, nipple change or discharge in a man should be checked.
Will the operation affect my sex life?
The operation itself does not affect erections or fertility. Hormone tablets such as tamoxifen can lower sex drive in some men. Tiredness and low mood during treatment can also play a part. Tell your doctor, because there are often ways to help, and it is a common concern.
Can the nipple be kept or rebuilt?
The nipple is usually removed, because the cancer so often sits just behind it. Some men later choose a nipple tattoo or a small reconstruction. Many choose nothing at all. Ask your surgeon what is possible and when it could be done.
Will I need a drain?
Often, yes. A thin tube collects fluid from under the wound for a short time after surgery. You may go home with it and have it removed at a clinic visit. The nurses will show you how to empty it and what to watch for.
When should I call the hospital after going home?
Call if the wound becomes red, hot or swollen, if it leaks pus, if you have a fever, or if your arm swells suddenly. Also call if pain gets worse instead of better. These can be signs of an infection or fluid collecting under the skin.
Does my son need to be tested?
If your genetic test finds an inherited change, your children, brothers and sisters can be offered testing. Sons and daughters can both carry it. A genetic counsellor explains what a result would mean for each person before they decide.
Is mastectomy for men covered by insurance or Aarogyasri?
Breast cancer surgery is covered the same way for men as for women. Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS, EHS and most cashless insurers include it, subject to their own rules and approval. Ask the hospital insurance desk to check your cover before the operation date.
Will my follow-up be different from a woman's?
The pattern is similar: regular clinic visits, examination of the chest and armpit, and imaging when needed. Men on hormone tablets are also checked for side effects. Report any new lump, pain or change on either side of the chest between visits.
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Sources
- American Cancer Society — Breast Cancer in Men
- National Cancer Institute — Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ) - Patient Version
- NHS — Breast cancer in men
- Macmillan Cancer Support — Breast cancer
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
Keep reading
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Mastectomy: What the Operation InvolvesThe operation step by stepThe Drain After MastectomyLooking after the drain at homeArm Exercises After MastectomyGetting shoulder movement backRadiation After Mastectomy: Who Needs ItWhen chest wall radiotherapy is addedBreast cancer guideThe wider picture of breast cancer treatment
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