Immunohistochemical expression in male breast cancer: two case reports

Male breast cancer is rare, and the incidence is less than 1% of all breast malignancies in both men and women. It is possible that, because male patients are unaware of male breast cancer, there is a delay of diagnosis and, consequently, more advanced stages are commonly encountered in these patients. Some studies have engaged in molecular studies of male breast cancers because of the possibly different characteristics, prognosis, and treatment between male and female malignancies. However, a dearth of studies still exists, most likely because of the rarity of the disease and lack of a large patient base for study. Among the molecular markers of breast cancer, p53, Ki-67, HER-2/neu, and Bcl-2 are the most frequently studied. Here we present two rare cases and a review of the literature concerning the relationship between immunohistochemical markers and their impact in order to provide surgeons with more information about the disease and further techniques for treatment of these patients.