Omission of adjuvant radiotherapy in low-risk elderly males with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Randomized clinical trials demonstrate that lumpectomy + hormone therapy (HT) without radiation therapy (RT) yields equivalent survival and acceptable local-regional outcomes in elderly women with early-stage, node-negative, hormone-receptor positive (HR +) breast cancer. Whether these data apply to men with the same inclusion criteria remains unknown. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for male patients ≥ 65 years with pathologic T1-2N0 (≤ 3 cm) HR + breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery with negative margins from 2004 to 2019. Adjuvant treatment was classified as HT alone, RT alone, or HT + RT. Male patients were matched with female patients for OS comparison. Survival analysis was performed using Cox regression and Kaplan - Meier method. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to adjust for confounding. RESULTS: A total of 523 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 24.4% receiving HT, 16.3% receiving RT, and 59.2% receiving HT + RT. The median follow-up was 6.9 years (IQR: 5.0-9.4 years). IPTW-adjusted 5-yr OS rates in the HT, RT, and HT + RT cohorts were 84.0% (95% CI 77.1-91.5%), 81.1% (95% CI 71.1-92.5%), and 93.0% (95% CI 90.0-96.2%), respectively. On IPTW-adjusted MVA, relative to HT, receipt of HT + RT was associated with improvements in OS (HR: 0.641; p = 0.042). RT alone was not associated with improved OS (HR: 1.264; p = 0.420). CONCLUSION: Among men ≥ 65 years old with T1-2N0 HR + breast cancer, RT alone did not confer an OS benefit over HT alone. Combination of RT + HT demonstrated significant improvements in OS. De-escalation of treatment through omission of either RT or HT at this point should be done with caution.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Analysis of Male Breast Cancer Unveils Novel Structural Events and Potential Therapeutic Targets.

The molecular characterization of male breast cancer (MaBC) has received limited attention in research, mostly because of its low incidence rate, accounting for only 0.5% to 1% of all reported cases of breast cancer each year. Managing MaBC presents significant challenges, with most treatment protocols being adapted from those developed for female breast cancer. Utilizing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and state-of-the-art analyses, the genomic features of 10 MaBC cases (n = 10) were delineated and correlated with clinical and histopathologic characteristics. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, an additional cohort of 18 patients was interrogated to supplement WGS findings. The genomic landscape of MaBC uncovered significant genetic alterations that could influence diagnosis and treatment. We found common somatic mutations in key driver genes, such as FAT1, GATA3, SMARCA4, and ARID2. Our study also mapped out structural variants that impact cancer-associated genes, such as ARID1A, ESR1, GATA3, NTRK1, and NF1. Using a WGS-based classifier, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) was identified in 2 cases, both presenting with deleterious variants in BRCA2. Noteworthy was the observation of FGFR1 amplification in 21% of cases. Altogether, we identified at least 1 potential therapeutic target in 8 of the 10 cases, including high tumor mutational burden, FGFR1 amplification, and HRD. Our study is the first WGS characterization of MaBC, which uncovered potentially relevant variants, including structural events in cancer genes, HRD signatures, and germline pathogenic mutations. Our results demonstrate unique genetic markers and potential treatment targets in MaBC, thereby underlining the necessity of tailoring treatment strategies for this understudied patient population. These WGS-based findings add to the growing knowledge of MaBC genomics and highlight the need to expand research on this type of cancer.

Experiences and perceptions of men following breast cancer diagnosis: a mixed method systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Men with breast cancer experience unique physical and emotional challenges. However, a thorough understanding of these experiences including the psychosocial effects and supportive care needs have received less attention. In some settings, men with breast cancer experience stigma within the healthcare system and their care needs are not prioritised. This influences the level of professional support offered, consequently worsening their health and well-being outcomes. This review explored the variabilities in the experiences and treatment modalities of male breast cancer (MBC) across different contexts. METHODS: All primary study designs including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies that reported on the experiences, treatment approaches and outcomes of MBC were included in this systematic review. Six databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Global Health, CINAHL and Web of Science) were searched for articles from January 2000 to September 2023. A results-based convergence synthesis was used for data analysis and reported using PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of the studies screened (n = 29,687), forty-four fulfilled the predetermined criteria and were included. Our findings relating to the experiences and treatment approaches of MBC are broadly themed into three parts. Theme 1-Navigating through a threat to masculinity: describes how males experienced the illness reflecting on detection, diagnosis, coming to terms with breast cancer, and disclosure. Theme 2- Navigating through treatment: captures the experiences of undergoing breast cancer treatment/ management following their diagnosis. Theme 3-Coping and support systems: describes how MBC patients coped with the disease, treatment process, aftercare/rehabilitative care, and the available support structures. CONCLUSIONS: Men experience a myriad of issues following a breast cancer diagnosis, especially with their masculinity. Awareness creation efforts of MBC among the public and healthcare practitioners are urgently required, which could change the perception of men in promoting early diagnosis, adherence to treatments, post-treatment monitoring, oncological results and a better quality of life. Considerations for training, education and development of specialised guidelines for healthcare practitioners on MBC would provide the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their practice through the adoption of person-centred and male-specific care strategies. Professional care intervention and support for MBC should not end after the diagnosis phase but should extend to the entire treatment continuum and aftercare including future research focusing on MBC specific clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42021228778.

Male Breast Cancer: a Review on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survivorship.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Male breast cancer is a relatively uncommon and rare disease that is often managed based on evidence adopted from trials pertaining to female breast cancer due to low accrual rates or exclusion of males. This is despite the known differences in the biology and epidemiology of this condition. This review provides an update regarding the management and surveillance of male breast cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: Men with breast cancer tend to undergo more extensive surgery in the breast and axilla. The outcomes of male breast cancer compared to a similar subtype of female breast cancer appear worse when matched for stage. Systemic therapies remain predominantly based on recommendations for female breast cancer, although tamoxifen is the more optimal endocrine therapy for men than women. Surveillance with mammograms is recommended for patients harboring a breast cancer susceptibility gene but is otherwise not advised for men who have undergone a mastectomy. Notably, the role of other imaging modalities, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, is minimal. Although the focus on survivorship care among men is low, it is abundantly clear that this is a stigmatizing diagnosis for men, and they suffer from long-term physical and psychological sequelae following a diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. In summary, providing more gender-inclusive care and advocating for increased representation of men in prospective breast cancer studies and clinical trials may help improve outcomes and provide enhanced support for this population.

Management of Male Patients With Occult Breast Cancer: Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

INTRODUCTION: Occult breast cancer (OBC) consists of <0.1% of breast cancer cases in the United States. Male occult breast cancer (mOBC) has not been well-studied outside of case reports, and management is largely based on female OBC (fOBC) studies. We aim to examine the prevalence of mOBC among those in the National Cancer Database with breast cancer and describe treatment modalities received by mOBC compared to fOBC. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with OBC from 2004 to 2018. Chi-Square test and Fisher's exact tests compared patient, clinical, and facility characteristics by sex. Treatment modalities [systemic therapy, radiation therapy, axillary lymph node dissection, modified radical mastectomy (MRM)] were compared. A subgroup analysis examined pathologic upstaging in patients who underwent MRM. RESULTS: Of 23,374 male patients with breast cancer, 0.13% were identified to have mOBC [versus 0.09% in fOBC]. cN2/N3 disease was significantly more prevalent in the mOBC cohort (61.3%) than in the fOBC cohort (30.7%, P < 0.001). Receipt of axillary lymph node dissection or MRM was not significantly different by sex. Male OBC (mOBC) patients were less likely to receive trimodality treatment than fOBC patients. In patients who underwent MRM, more mOBC patients [75%] were pathologically upstaged as T+ after mastectomy than fOBC patients [30%, P < 0.001], questioning the adequacy of diagnostic workup for mOBC compared to fOBC. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirms mOBC as an extremely rare disease. Multimodal treatments have been highly utilized to optimize care in this patient population. Further investigation is warranted to examine the survival benefit of treatment regimens for mOBC.

Male Breast Cancer (MBC) - A Review.

Males account for 1% of all cases of breast cancer. With the aging of the world's population, the disease has exhibited a rise in incidence in recent decades. Male breasts are smaller than female breasts, making the disease easier to spot, but patients often do not report their cases in time due to a lack of awareness. The stage-to-stage prognosis of male breast cancer is comparable to that of their female counterparts. Due to the relative rarity of the disease and poor patient enrollment in large randomized studies, the optimal management of male breast cancer remains uncertain. This article presents a narrative review of male breast cancer in light of recent literature, with an emphasis on epidemiology, clinical features, and current management.

Male Breast Cancer: Three Case Reports and a Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Male breast cancer (MBC) accounts for 0.5%-1% of all breast cancers diagnosed worldwide. However, its biological characteristics can be distinguished from that of female breast cancer (FBC). CASE REPRESENTATION: The diagnostic and treatment approaches for MBC are mainly similar to that of FBC due to the lack of male breast cancer-related studies, clinical trials, and literature. An increasing number of retrospective and prospective studies have been conducted to clarify the individualized care for MBC. Herein, we report three cases of advanced MBC to describe the diagnostic approaches, treatment process, and survival prognosis. CONCLUSION: MBC patients had older age, later stage at first diagnosis, higher expression of hormone receptors, and poor prognosis. A literature review was conducted to determine the incidence, risk factors, disease features, diagnosis, treatment, survival, and management of MBC.

Treatments for breast cancer in men: late effects and impact on quality of life.

PURPOSE: Male breast cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Unfortunately, a lack of information exists regarding late effects of breast cancer treatment in men. METHODS: An online survey directed towards male breast cancer patients was distributed via social medial and emails from June to July 2022. Participants were asked about their disease characteristics, treatments and side effects from the disease or treatment. Patients and treatment variables were reported via descriptive statistics. Univariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate associations between different treatment variables and outcomes expressed by odds ratio. RESULTS: A total of 127 responses were analyzed. Median age of the participants was 64 years (range 56-71 years). A total of 91 participants (71.7%) revealed they experienced late effects secondary to their cancer or cancer treatment. The most concerning physical and psychological symptoms reported were fatigue and fear of recurrence respectively. Axillary lymph node dissection was associated with swollen arm and with difficulty in arm or shoulder movement. Systemic chemotherapy was related to bothersome hair loss and changes on interest in sex; and endocrine therapy was associated with feeling less masculine. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that men suffer several late effects from treatments for breast cancer. Lymphedema, difficulty with arm and shoulder movement, sexual dysfunction and hair loss should be discussed with males as it can be distressing for some patients and decrease their quality of life.

Quality of Life in Male Breast Cancer: Prospective Study of the International Male Breast Cancer Program (EORTC10085/TBCRC029/BIG2-07/NABCG).

INTRODUCTION: Prospective data about quality of life (QoL) in men with breast cancer (BC) are lacking. A prospective registry (EORTC10085) of men with all BC stages, including a QoL correlative study, was performed as part of the International Male Breast Cancer Program. METHODS: Questionnaires at BC diagnosis included the EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 (BC specific module), adapted for men. High functioning and global health/QoL scores indicate high functioning levels/high QoL; high symptom-focused measures scores indicate high symptoms/problems levels. EORTC reference data for healthy men and women with BC were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Of 422 men consenting to participate, 363 were evaluable. Median age was 67 years, and median time between diagnosis and survey was 1.1 months. A total of 114 men (45%) had node-positive early disease, and 28 (8%) had advanced disease. Baseline mean global health status score was 73 (SD: 21), better than in female BC reference data (62, SD: 25). Common symptoms in male BC were fatigue (22, SD: 24), insomnia (21, SD: 28), and pain (16, SD: 23), for which women's mean scores indicated more burdensome symptoms at 33 (SD: 26), 30 (SD: 32), and 29 (SD: 29). Men's mean sexual activity score was 31 (SD: 26), with less sexual activity in older patients or advanced disease. CONCLUSIONS: QoL and symptom burden in male BC patients appears no worse (and possibly better) than that in female patients. Future analyses on impact of treatment on symptoms and QoL over time, may support tailoring of male BC management.

[Breast cancer in men]. / Mammakarzinom beim Mann.

Male breast cancer is an unknown field for many practitioners. Patients often see different doctors before the correct diagnosis is made - often too late. This article is intended to point out risk factors, initiation of diagnostics and therapy. In the dawning age of molecular medicine, we will also take a look at genetics.

A Rare Case of Invasive Cribriform Carcinoma in Male Breast.

BACKGROUND Male breast cancer is a very rare disease that represents 0.6% of all breast carcinomas. Among breast carcinomas, invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC) is a rare type of breast carcinoma and is more common in older women, with only a few cases in men reported. We present a case of male breast cancer with ICC. CASE REPORT A 58-year-old man presented with a painful and palpable mass in the left breast, which was diagnosed as breast cancer of the ICC type. The patient underwent total mastectomy plus sentinel lymph node biopsy. On the microscope, the tumor was composed of more than 90% cribriform glands with comedo necrosis and dystrophic calcification. On immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, it appeared to be a luminal breast cancer. The IHC staining for c-erb B2 was equivocal (2 positive); hence fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed, and showed no amplification of the HER2/neu oncogene. The Ki-67 labeling index was 30%. The patient received radiotherapy and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (4 cycles of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide), and has been on antiestrogen therapy (daily tamoxifen, 20 mg) for 30 months with no evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS ICC is a rare type of invasive carcinoma of the breast, and ICC from the male breast is extremely rare. We report, in this case, the final pathologic results of a male patient diagnosed with ICC breast cancer and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Characteristics, treatment and outcomes of HER2 positive male breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Research describing male breast cancer with HER2 overexpression is limited. This study evaluated the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of HER2 positive breast cancer in men. METHODS: Information for January 2010 through December 2017 was obtained from the SEER Research Plus database. RESULTS: Four hundred sixty-two men were HER2 positive (13%) of 3594 cases of breast cancer. Compared to HER2 negative patients, these patients were younger at diagnosis (63 vs. 67 years, p < 0.001), had more poorly differentiated cancer (Grade III 53% vs. 33%, p < 0.001), and larger tumor size (28.8 vs. 24.6 mm, p < 0.001). HER2 positive males also had distant site and/or contralateral lymph node involvement more often (13% vs. 7%, p < 0.001), had higher rate of cancer-related mortality (15% vs. 10%, p = 0.002), and shorter overall survival (34 vs. 38 months, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Men diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer had more advanced disease at diagnosis and worse outcomes than HER2 negative men despite increased utilization of systemic therapy.

Asynchronous bilateral male breast cancer. A rare case report.

We describe a rare case of asynchronous bilateral carcinoma of the mammary glands in a 66-year-old man. The patient was admitted to the Department of Dermatology and Venereology due to exacerbation of chronic eczema. During the examination, a 3×2-cm tumor with retraction of the mammilla was found in the right mammary gland. Mastectomy and regional lymphatic dissection were performed. Histological examination showed invasive ductal carcinoma, ER (+) 70%, PR (-), HER2 (-). Treatment included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Three years later, the patient reported a lump in the left breast. The presence of a tumor formation was confirmed by mammography and ultrasound examination. A radical mastectomy with regional lymphatic dissection was performed. Histological examination showed invasive ductal carcinoma of the mammary gland, ER (3+) 80%, PP (2+) 60%, HER2 (+++), and Ki67 (+) 80%. Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy was carried out. Five years after diagnosis of the second carcinoma, the patient is in a good general condition. Regardless of its rarity, the described case should draw doctors' attention to this pathology. Assessment of risk factors and periodic breast examination in men would allow early diagnosis, timely treatment, and better prognosis of the disease.

Câncer de mama masculino: um assunto que deve ser abordado / Male breast cancer: a subject that must be addressed / Cáncer de mama masculino: un tema que debe ser tratado

Introdução: Em relação ao sexo masculino, a neoplasia de mama é rara. Clinicamente manifesta-se com nódulo palpável, indolor, ulceração ou retração na pele e descarga papilar e o diagnóstico se faz por meio da história clínica, exames de imagem e anatomopatológico. Objetivo: Analisar os artigos científicos referentes ao assunto e desenvolver uma revisão bibliográfica sobre câncer de mama masculino. Método: Foram utilizadas publicações que relatavam sobre a epidemiologia, os fatores de risco, métodos diagnósticos por imagem, manejo terapêutico e prevenção do câncer de mama masculino. Resultados: A etiologia do câncer de mama é desconhecida, mas existem alguns fatores que estão associados ao maior risco de desenvolvimento da doença, os quais incluem a idade, mutações cromossômicas, patologia testicular, exposição à radiação, obesidade e terapias à base de estrogênio. O quadro clínico inicia-se de maneira insidiosa. Em relação aos exames de imagem, a mamografia é um exame com boa especificidade (90%) e sensibilidade (92%) para homens acima de 50 anos com lesões mamárias, e a neoplasia é caracterizada como uma massa subareolar, geralmente excêntrica, com margens espiculadas e frequentemente lobulada, que é acentuada pela distorção da arquitetura mamária habitual. Conclusão: É de grande importância o diagnóstico precoce da doença, pois o tratamento iniciado aumentará as chances de sobrevida, sendo necessário também, reforçar ações que conscientizem a população a esse respeito (AU)

Introduction: In relation to males, breast cancer is rare. Clinically it manifests itself with palpable, painless nodule, ulceration or retraction in the skin and papillary discharge and the diagnosis is made through clinical history, imaging and anatomopathological tests. Objective: To analyze the scientific articles related to the subject and develop a literature review on male breast cancer. Method: We used publications that reported on epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic imaging methods, therapeutic management and prevention of male breast cancer. Results: The etiology of breast cancer is unknown, but there are some factors that are associated with increased risk of disease development, which include age, chromosomal mutations, testicular pathology, radiation exposure, obesity and estrogen-based therapies. The clinical picture begins insidiously. In relation to imaging tests, mammography is an examination with good specificity (90%) and sensitivity (92%) for men over 50 years with breast lesions, and the neoplasm is characterized as a subareolar mass, usually eccentric, often lobulated, which is accentuated by the distortion of the usual mammary architecture. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of the disease is of great importance, because the treatment initiated will increase the chances of survival, and it is also necessary to reinforce actions that raise awareness in this regard (AU)

Introducción: En relación al sexo masculino, el cáncer de mama es raro. Clínicamente se manifiesta como un nódulo palpable, indoloro, ulceración o retracción de la piel y secreción papilar y el diagnóstico se realiza a través de la historia clínica, exámenes de imagen y anatomopatológicos. Objetivo: Analizar los artículos científicos relacionados con el tema y realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre el cáncer de mama masculino. Método: Se utilizaron publicaciones que informaran sobre la epidemiología, factores de riesgo, métodos de diagnóstico por imagen, manejo terapéutico y prevención del cáncer de mama masculino. Resultados: La etiología del cáncer de mama es desconocida, pero existen algunos factores que se asocian con un mayor riesgo de desarrollar la enfermedad, entre los que se encuentran la edad, mutaciones cromosómicas, patología testicular, exposición a radiación, obesidad y terapias basadas en estrógenos. El cuadro clínico comienza de forma insidiosa. En cuanto a los exámenes de imagen, la mamografía es un examen con buena especificidad (90%) y sensibilidad (92%) para hombres mayores de 50 años con lesiones mamarias, y la neoplasia se caracteriza por una masa subareolar, generalmente excéntrica, con márgenes espiculados y frecuentemente lobulada, que se acentúa por la distorsión de la arquitectura mamaria habitual. Conclusión: El diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad es de gran importancia, ya que el tratamiento iniciado aumentará las posibilidades de supervivencia, además es necesario reforzar acciones que concienticen a la población al respecto (AU)

A systematic literature review of the management, oncological outcomes and psychosocial implications of male breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease, accounting for <1% of all breast cancers, it has significant oncological, survival and psychosocial implications for patients. The aim of this study is to assess the latest literature in the diagnosis, management, oncological outcomes, and psychosocial impact of MBC. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines (Moher et al., 2009) [1] to explore the management of MBC, with particular focus on investigative imaging, surgical management, oncological outcomes, survival, genetic screening and psychosocial effects. Electronic databases were searched for randomised control trials, cohort studies and case series involving more than 10 patients. Imaging and surgical techniques, local and distant disease recurrence, survival, genetic screening and psychosocial implications in the setting of MBC were assessed. RESULTS: The search criteria identified 199 articles, of which 59 met the inclusion criteria. This included 39,529 patients, with a mean age of 64.5 years (55-71), and a mean follow-up of 66.3 months (26.2-115). Mastectomy remains the most frequently used surgical technique, with an average of 89.6%. Loco-regional and distant recurrence rate was 10.1% and 21.4% respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 and 10 years was 66.8% and 54.5% respectively. Disease-specific survival (DSS) at 5 and 10 years was 87.1% and 67.1% respectively. Overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years was 72.7% and 50.7% respectively. Genetic screening was conducted in 38.6% of patients of which 4.8% and 15.8% were found to be BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers respectively. Psychosocial studies were conducted mainly using questionnaire and interview-based methodology focusing primarily on awareness of breast cancer in men, support available and impact on gender identity. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that men present with later stage disease with subsequent impact on survival outcomes. There remains a paucity of high-level evidence and prospective studies are required. There is a need for increasing awareness amongst the public and health care professionals in order to improve outcomes and reduce stigma associated with MBC.

Clinicopathological features of male patients with breast cancer based on a nationwide registry database in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare; however, its incidence is increasing. There have been no large-scale reports on the clinicopathological characteristics of MBC in Japan. METHODS: We investigated patients diagnosed with breast cancer in the Japanese National Clinical Database (NCD) between January 2012 and December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 594,316 cases of breast cancer, including 3780 MBC (0.6%) and 590,536 female breast cancer (FBC) (99.4%), were evaluated. The median age at MBC and FBC diagnosis was 71 (45-86, 5-95%) and 60 years (39-83) (p < 0.001), respectively. MBC cases had a higher clinical stage than FBC cases: 7.4 vs. 13.3% stage 0, 37.2 vs. 44.3% stage I, 25.6 vs. 23.9% stage IIA, 8.8 vs. 8.4% stage IIB, 1.9 vs. 2.4% stage IIIA, 10.1 vs. 3.3% stage IIIB, and 1.1 vs. 1.3% stage IIIC (p < 0.001). Breast-conserving surgery was more frequent in FBC (14.6 vs. 46.7%, p = 0.02). Axillary lymph node dissection was more frequent in MBC cases (32.9 vs. 25.2%, p < 0.001). Estrogen receptor(ER)-positive disease was observed in 95.6% of MBC and 85.3% of FBC cases (p < 0.001). The HER2-positive disease rates were 9.5% and 15.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Comorbidities were more frequent in MBC (57.3 vs. 32.8%) (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy was less common in MBC, while endocrine therapy use was similar in ER-positive MBC and FBC. Perioperative radiation therapy was performed in 14.3% and 44.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: Japanese MBC had an older age of onset, were more likely to be hormone receptor-positive disease, and received less perioperative chemotherapy than FBC.

Cáncer de mama en hombres: revisión de casos en el Hospital Regional de Talca / Breast cancer in men: review of cases at "Hospital Regional de Talca"

Breast cancer in men is a rare pathology. The most common clinical presentation is a palpable and painless retroareolar nodule. In men, it is a rare pathology, there are few studies on the matter, where breast cancer trials frequently exclude men. Objective: to present the incidence of breast cancer in men from the "Regional Hospital of Talca" Method: Retrospective and descriptive study of cases of breast cancer in men who have been treated and followed up in the Breast Pathology Unit of the Regional Hospital of Talca from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2021.Results: There were 9 cases of breast cancer in men. Average age at diagnosis was 63 years, all patients were 50 years of age or older. One hundred percent of patients consulted for a self-palpable breast nodule. Average size on physical examination was 30 mm. The most frequent histology was invasive ductal carcinoma (56%), followed by invasive tubular carcinoma (22%) and ductal carcinoma in situ (11%). Immunohistochemistry was 100% positive for estrogen and progesterone receptor. Surgery in 56% of cases was total mastectomy with axillary dissection, and in 33% it was total mastectomy alone. 4 patients underwent adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy, and just one required a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During follow-up, only 2 patients died. Conclusion. Breast cancer in men is not very prevalent and the management is extrapolated from large studies in women, we believe that it is essential to have studies in male patients, to really have clarity on the behavior and evolution of the disease.

An introduction to male breast cancer for urologists: epidemiology, diagnosis, principles of treatment, and special situations.

Breast cancer (BC) is mainly considered a disease in women, but male BC (MaBC) accounts for approximately 1.0% of BC diagnoses and 0.5% of malignant neoplasms in the western population. The stigmatization of MaBC, the fact that men are less likely to undergo regular health screenings, and the limited knowledge of health professionals about MaBC contribute to men being diagnosed at more advanced stages. The aim of this article is to increase the visibility of MaBC among urologists, who have more contact with male patients. This review highlights key points about the disease, the risk factors associated with MaBC, and the options for treatment. Obesity and increased population longevity are among the important risk factors for MaBC, but published studies have identified family history as extremely relevant in these patients and associated with a high penetrance at any age. There is currently no screening for MaBC in the general population, but the possibility of screening in men at high risk for developing BC can be considered. The treatment of MaBC is multidisciplinary, and, because of its rarity, there are no robust clinical studies evaluating the role of systemic therapies in the management of both localized and metastatic disease. Therefore, in current clinical practice, treatment strategies for men with breast cancer are extrapolated from information arising from studies in female patients.

Quality of life and epidemiological profile of male breast cancer treated at the university hospital of Casablanca, Morocco.

Nowadays, cancer is a huge public health challenge that needs for more advanced researches. Quality of life of patients with breast cancer is an important outcome. Data analyses are usually referred to female breast cancer studies and limited informations are available about male breast cancer. Our study is the first in our country to assess quality of life (QoL) in male patients affected by breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate HRqol (health related quality of life) in male patients with breast cancer and clinico-pathological features at the university hospital of Casablanca, Morocco over a period of 6 years. This study involved 21 male subjects from 2012 to 2018. Required information were collected from the medical records of patients in the oncological center. We included demographic, clinical and pathological characteristics. HRqol was investigated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-Item QoL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), version 3.0. Mean age of patients at enrollment was 67.3 years (SD=15.6, range=36-87 years), the average consultation delay was 17,7 months, the most common histologic finding was infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma (20 patients, 95.3%). Progesterone and estrogen receptors were positives in 90.4% (19 patients) of cases, the most representative stage was stage III, the most common molecular phenotype was Luminal B (16 patients, 76.2%), modified radical mastectomy was the main surgical procedure. Adjuvant therapy was based on chemotherapy (100%), radiotherapy (76.2%), hormone therapy (90.5%). Ten patients (47.6%) had metastasis. A moderate overall quality of life was reported, with a mean of 50±21.73. The results showed a mean physical function score (54.60±27.85), positive emotional functioning (56.34±31.94) and good social functioning (75.39±17.96). In brief, regarding QOL in this population, it appears to be better than expected andQOL generally improves after treatment. As for prevention, public education should be oriented toward men at higher risk in order to reduce the time between onset of symptoms and consultation.