Insights into Male Breast Cancer: A Clinicopathological Study of Cases in Assam, India

Background: Male Breast Cancer is a rare disease, which accounts for less than 1% of breast cancer. Common risk factors are radiation exposure and estrogen therapy whereas the commonest presentation is palpable breast lump. Triple assessment forms the basis of diagnosis. Modified Radical Mastectomy is the treatment of choice usually followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Aims: To evaluate the clinico-pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of Male Breast Carcinoma.

Study Design: A retrospective multicentric observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: A duration of 18 months from January 2022 to June 2023 in two tertiary level hospitals of Assam.

Methodology: A retrospective multicentric observational study is performed in Assam. The patients are ascertained from hospital admission register over a period of 18 months from January 2022 to June 2023. The patients contact numbers are retrieved and data are collected along with details of recurrence and death. The associations between clinical factors, pathological status and treatment choice are reviewed in cross- tabulation form.

Results: Nine patients of MBC are studied over a period of 18months. The median age of presentation is 45years.The most common presentation is palpable lump around nipple areolar complex. Cases of fungating mass are also seen. On USG analysis, 66% patients have BIRADS IV lesion with axillary lymphadenopathy in 89% patients. HPE reports suggested Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 89% cases. ER positivity is observed in 80%, PR positivity 70% and Her2 neu positivity in 20% cases. Treatment options include modified radical mastectomy along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Overall mortality is found to be 20%.

Conclusion: Male Breast Cancer is found to be more aggressive than Female Breast Cancer. The important prognostic factors are tumour size, nodal involvement, histological grade and hormone receptor status which is similar to female breast cancer. Treatment options are similar to that of FBC. Breast carcinoma awareness in the community, early detection and timely management of the disease are the keys for improvement of its prognosis.