Mixed infiltrating breast carcinoma in males – discussion of two cases

Abstract

Introduction: Male breast cancer is a rare condition accounting for up to 1% of cancer in men and less than 0.1% of male cancer mortality. Based on the histological examination, approximately 90% are ductal and 7% are mucinous carcinomas. Methodology: two cases of male breast carcinoma are discussed. The first is a 55-year old man and the second is 96 years old; both exhibit a mixed ductal and mucinous histology and developed axillary lymph nodes metastasis, expressing estrogen and progestin receptors. One of the patient’s immunohistochemistry did not express Her-2 and the second showed an equivocal Her-2 expression. The tumor size was larger in the older patient, with Paget’s disease of the nipple. Discussion: The hormonal status was consistent with the literature. Up to 90% of the cases expressed hormone receptors, 51% showed nodal involvement, and the size of the tumor was age-dependent. Conclusion: Breast cancer is a rare condition in males with little information available. Management is based on the knowledge about female breast cancer. These two cases discussed are intended to contribute with additional information on this pathology.