Male breast cancer in north eastern Nigeria

Carcinoma of the male breast is generally rare and constitutes 1% of all breast cancers. They often present late in developing countries and therefore has poor prognosis. The aim of this paper is to highlight the pattern of presentation and problems associated with management of this disease in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria.

Case records of eleven (11) histologically diagnosed male breast cancers out of a total of two hundred and ninety-five (295) cases of breast cancer managed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital between 1989-2003 were retrospectively studied and analysed.

Male breast cancer constitutes 3.7% of all cases of breast cancers seen in this hospital during the study period under review. The male to female ratio was 1:26. The peak age range at presentation was 40-49 years and all were advanced at presentation. The time interval between onset of symptoms and presentation were all over 12 months. All the patients either had toilet mastectomy or modified radical mastectomy. In addition, two patients had sub capsular orchidectomy while nine had Tamoxifen. Four patients had additional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Two patients died in the course of follow-up while the rest were lost to follow-up shortly after discharge. Only one patient was followed-up for more than two years.

Male breast cancer though rare, is a serious clinical problem associated with late presentation. It is hoped that increased public awareness will improve the outcome of management.