[A case of advanced male breast cancer treated effectively with estrogen]

A 47-year-old man was admitted because of a left axillary tumor. A biopsy of the tumor disclosed adenocarcinoma. The bone survey showed multiple sclerotic metastases. Thirteen months after his first admission, a left breast tumor developed and a simple mastectomy revealed a papillotubular carcinoma. Skin metastases appeared postoperatively and were exacerbated with accumulation of pericardial effusion and a high CEA level (401.7 ng/ml) despite radiation and chemotherapy. Estrogen therapy with diethylstilbestrol sodium phosphate was started, resulting in the disappearance of pericardial effusion and skin metastases. The patient remains well 10 months after starting estrogen therapy with a normal CEA level.