
Reconstruction for breast cancer in men
Most men who develop breast cancer have surgery to remove their tumour. Because in general men have much less breast tissue than women, it is usually necessary to remove all of the breast tissue and the nipple on the affected side (a mastectomy) when their breast cancer is detected. Sometimes it is necessary to remove muscle as well. Men who have had a mastectomy or who have had a nipple removed may be offered or may want some form of reconstruction after their operation.
- Age at interview:
- 58
- Sex:
- Male
- Age at diagnosis:
- 54
- Background:
- Robert is a part-time stocktaker. He is married and has 3 adult children. Ethnic background' White British (English).
I was offered reconstructive surgery if I’d particularly wanted it, but I didn’t, I didn’t want another operation.
- Age at interview:
- 40
- Sex:
- Male
- Age at diagnosis:
- 36
- Background:
- Stuart is a payroll clerk. He is married, and has 2 teenage children. Ethnic background' White British.
She also discussed the option of… what’s it called again?
- Age at interview:
- 70
- Sex:
- Male
- Age at diagnosis:
- 70
- Background:
- Robert is a retired bank manager. He is married and has 2 adult children. Ethnic background' White British (Scottish).
So when you came out of surgery and you’d had the mastectomy…
- Age at interview:
- 67
- Sex:
- Male
- Age at diagnosis:
- 65
- Background:
- Roy is a retired builder. He is married and has adult children. Ethnic background' White British (English).
I wouldn’t fancy being tattooed, really. It might hurt (laughing).
- Age at interview:
- 71
- Sex:
- Male
- Age at diagnosis:
- 70
- Background:
- Tom H is retired, he worked in the petrochemicals industry. He is widowed and has 2 adult children. Ethnic background' White British (English).
So, you were offered reconstruction?
- Age at interview:
- 65
- Sex:
- Male
- Age at diagnosis:
- 60
- Background:
- Tom is retired fork lift driver. He is married. Ethnic background' White British (English).
Did they offer you reconstruction?
- Age at interview:
- 58
- Sex:
- Male
- Age at diagnosis:
- 58
- Background:
- Steve works as a graphic designer in the health industry, he has adult children. Ethnic background' White British.
And did he discuss options afterwards? Was there any talk of any reconstruction, or have you ever felt any need for that?
- Age at interview:
- 54
- Sex:
- Male
- Age at diagnosis:
- 46
- Background:
- Bill is a retired education guidance advisor. He is married and has 3 adult children. Ethnic background' White Scottish.
Why did they recommend that you went to a plastic surgeon then, this second time? Did they offer you some kind of reconstruction, on the second occasion but not the first, or-?
Last reviewed June 2017.
Last updated October 2013.
