[Male breast cancer]

Abstract

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers. It is an infrequent, but serious clinical problem. This paper discusses epidemiology, potential risk factors, tumor histopathology, clinical features and treatment strategies of the disease. Hormonal, genetic and environmental factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in men have been reviewed. Authors suggest that there may be an association between long-term androgen therapy and breast cancer in men. This uncommon malignancy is most commonly seen in men over sixty years. Histologically MBC resembles that seen in women, although lobular cancer is rare in men. Tumors from men are more often estrogen-receptor positive. Treatment strategies draw from experience in women and usually begin with surgery. Modified radical mastectomy is the current treatment of choice for invasive cancer. Additional modalities include hormonal treatment, radio- and chemotherapy. Male breast cancer may be also a problem in the context of androgen replacement therapy during andropause.