Male breast cancer: an update

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Pathology

Background:

• Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare, comprising <1% of all breast cancers, yet incidence is rising worldwide.
• Key risk factors include longevity, obesity, testicular issues, and BRCA2 germline mutations, which confer an 80-fold increased risk.
• Men are typically diagnosed at an older age than women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of male breast cancer (MBC).
• To compare MBC biology, genetics, and histology with female breast cancers.
• To discuss differential diagnosis from histological mimics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of male breast cancer (MBC) research.
• Comparative analysis of MBC and female breast cancer characteristics.
• Review of histological findings and diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

• MBC often presents as grade 2, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, no special type carcinoma, though in situ and papillary types are common.
• While staging is similar to female breast cancer, metastatic lesions must be distinguished from primary tumors.
• Recent research reveals significant biological and clinical differences between MBC and female breast cancer.

Conclusions:

• Male breast cancer (MBC) exhibits distinct biological and histological features compared to female breast cancer.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate MBC's unique characteristics and optimize management strategies.