A hormone receptor test is done on the cancer cells to see if they are sensitive to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen shows up and sits on the estrogen receptors, cell growth is turned on. Most breast cancers in men have estrogen and progesterone receptors. If the receptors are present, the test will read “positive,” and if the receptors are absent, the report will say “negative.” Positive hormone receptors can mean a better prognosis and a potential role for anti-estrogen hormonal therapy.

What is the cancer’s HER2 status?

Additional tests

New laboratory tests

Treatment & Stages of male breast cancer

Coping and support for male breast cancer

Related Topics

Benign breast conditions

General breast cancer terms

Types of breast cancer in men

References

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancerinmen/detailedguide/breast-cancer-in-men-what-is-breast-cancer-in-men

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/male_bc

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/rare-cancers/rare-cancers-name/breast-cancer-in-men

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-breast-cancer/basics/coping-support/con-20025972

Oncologists, Breast Surgeons are the specialists who deal with the breast cancer