Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties Vol. 76, No. 2, July-December 2021, pp 35-40
Male Breast Cancer: The Philippine General Hospital Experience
Author(s): Kristine A. Paguirigan, MD, DPBS; Mark Richard C. Kho MD, FPCS; Gemma Leonora B. Uy MD, FPCS and Rodney B. Dofitas, MD, FPCS
Abstract:
Rationale/Objective: Breast cancer among males is often diagnosed at a later age and at an advanced stage. The study aimed to present the epidemiology, associated risk factors, clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes of male breast cancer patients treated at the Philippine General Hospital from January 2008- December 2017. Information from this study can provide for better understanding of the disease and basis for creating guidelines toward better outcomes.
Methods: Retrospective study of medical records involving male breast cancer patients who underwent surgery and treatment at the Philippine General Hospital from January 2008- December 2017.
Results: Male breast cancer accounted for 15 (0.26%) of 5,777 resected breast specimens for breast cancer patients with a 1:384 male to female ratio. The mean age of presentation was 60 years. The most common presentation was a retro-areolar mass, with 33% of patients presenting post-excision. Sixty-seven percent were at Stage II and 20% at Stage III. About 94% of patients have invasive ductal carcinoma, while the only other histology is papillary carcinoma at 13%. Majority of those tested were both estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) positive (33% versus 1 %), and Her2neu negative. All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy. Only two patients were documented to have received adjuvant chemotherapy while one patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Conclusion: Breast cancer remains to be a rare disease among males, is often diagnosed at a later age and at an advanced stage. Because of its rarity, awareness is necessary not only in the community but also among healthcare providers to identify and treat the problem earlier. Further investigation and prospective studies are recommended.
Key words: male breast cancer, ductal carcinoma, retrospective study, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, recurrence, survival