Faculty Collaboration Database

Carcinoma of the breast in males: a multiinstitutional survey. Cancer 1998 Aug 01;83(3):498-509

Date

08/05/1998

Pubmed ID

9690543

DOI

10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19980801)83:3<498::aid-cncr19>3.0.co;2-r

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0032147087 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   199 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Breast carcinoma in males is infrequent, and information regarding the results of modern treatment is limited. Cases of breast carcinoma in males were accrued from multiple hospitals in one region to determine treatment, survival, and prognostic factors.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 217 cases of breast carcinoma in males accessioned at tumor registries of 18 health care institutions in eastern Wisconsin between 1953 and 1995.

RESULTS: Of the 217 cases, 215 (99.1%) were carcinomas. The majority of carcinomas were of invasive ductal type and presented as masses. Carcinoma in situ accounted for 5.5% of cases. The 5- and 10-year observed survivals for men were 50.6% and 23.7%, respectively. A high rate of post-treatment mortality from comorbid disease was found. Stage, axillary lymph node status, number of lymph nodes with metastases, and tumor hormone receptors were significant indicators of prognosis. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy and hormone therapy improved the prognosis of patients with axillary lymph node metastases and hormone receptor positive tumors. Earlier stage at presentation and improved 5-year survival were found in cases occurring between 1986-1995 compared with those occurring in earlier years. Use of modified radical mastectomy and systemic adjuvant therapy also increased since 1986.

CONCLUSIONS: The clinical, pathologic, and prognostic features of breast carcinoma in men are similar to those reported for women. The poorer prognosis of men is related to older age at diagnosis, more advanced stage of disease at presentation, and high mortality from comorbid disease. Earlier diagnosis, less radical surgery, and use of systemic adjuvant therapy are coincident with an improved prognosis for men.

Author List

Donegan WL, Redlich PN, Lang PJ, Gall MT

Author

Philip N. Redlich MD, PhD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Breast Neoplasms, Male
Humans
Lymphatic Metastasis
Male
Middle Aged
Ploidies
Retrospective Studies
S Phase
Survival Rate