An Unusual Case of Advanced Bilateral Male Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer in men is an uncommon disease. Little is known about its etiology, clinical behavior, treatment, and outcome. Retrospective data indicate that stage- and age-matched male and female breast cancer is similar in presentation. The aim is to find an adequate treatment for male breast cancer, which is not just extrapolated from its female counterpart. Case Report: We present the history of a 41-year-old man who was diagnosed with pT2 (3 cm) breast cancer in 2001. After mastectomy without axillary dissection, 4 cycles of adjuvant epirubicin and cyclophosphamide and radiation therapy were performed followed by hormonal treatment with tamoxifen until 2003. In 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, there were relapses with skin metastases, treated with several courses of chemotherapy. In 2006, an inflammatory carcinoma in the contralateral breast was revealed during the course of epirubicin chemotherapy. In May 2007, the patient passed away from extensive tumor progression despite numerous attempts of local and systemic chemotherapeutic treatment. Conclusion: Here, an unusual case of male breast cancer is reported. It was first diagnosed at the age of 41 years, which is relatively young for male breast cancer. Although the treatment was started at an early stage, several relapses and contralateral breast cancer occurred within 5 years and could no be controlled.

Male Breast Cancer: It’s Time for Evidence Instead of Extrapolation

“…Bilateral breast cancer is rare in male patients. In the case report by Bauerschmitz et al [3], it is difficult to ascertain whether the patient has an unrelated second primary inflammatory cancer or cross-lymphatic metastases. Although men with a history of breast cancer have a substantial elevation in relative risk of developing a second breast primary, the absolute risk is quite low.…”

“…Considerable uncertainty still exists as to the optimal management of breast cancer in men. In the article by Bauerschmitz in this issue of ONKOLOGIE, a case of male breast cancer is described [3]. The presenting features of this tumor display some of the typical features of male breast cancer.…”

Case Report of Breast Carcinoma Detected by Skin Metastasis in a Male Patient

“…Erkeklerde meme kanseri genellikle ''tek taraflı'' olarak görülür. Bilateral olarak görülme olasılığı %3'ten azdır (4,5). Bizim olgumuzda tek taraflı olarak tespit edildi.…”

Axillary Metastasis as the First Manifestation of Occult Breast Cancer in a Male Patient

“…The occurrence of occult breast cancer in men is even less common [3,4]. We report on a 72-year-old male patient with occult breast cancer diagnosed by histological examination and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.…”