Male breast cancer

Authors review their experience on male breast cancer in 29 patients observed at the Istituto di Chirurgia e Oncologia of the University of Cagliari in 1974-1994. Patients were from 42 to 84 years old (median age 65 years). A family history was observed in 17% of cases. Notwithstanding a brief time interval between symptoms and diagnosis (mean time 5 months), 11 patients (38%) had a locally advanced neoplasm and 3 patients (11%) had a metastatic one. A metastatic involvement of axillary lymphnodes was demonstrated in 63% of patients. All tumors were ductal, except 2 lobular, 1 ductal in situ and 1 ductal with neuroendocrine features. Actuarial survival was 70% at 5 years and 34% at 10 years. Metastatic axillary lymphnode involvement was the most important prognostic factor (survival at 5 years 100% for N- and 60% for N+). Local recurrences were only 2 (7%). The poor survival is likely to be caused by the occurrence of locally advanced neoplasms. Low incidence of local recurrence is probably obtained by the wide local excision through a proper cutaneous incision and the frequent use of dermo-epidermal flaps.