Clinical Features of the Male Breast Cancer-13 Cases / 한국유방암학회지

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent malignant tumors in American and European countries, with incidences increasing every year. In Korea it was the second most frequent cancer in 2002, followed by stomach cancer. However, in 2001 the incidence of breast cancer was first, followed by colon cancer, with incidences increasing every year. Conversely, breast cancer in men is not frequent, with an incidence of less than 1%, according to studies from both Korea and abroad. Studies on the treatment methods and prognostic factors of breast cancer in men are limited, with little clinical experience. Although there was difficulty in collecting complete data, due to lack of awareness of male breast cancer, the clinical characteristics could be determined from the experience and treatment outcomes of male breast cancer patients. Methods: The medical records of 13 male patients with breast cancer, who could be followed up, were retrospectively evaluated from 4809 patients with breast cancer, evaluated between 1989 and 2003. Results: The average age of the subjects was 64.3 years, with the breast masses with no pain situated at the center of the breast in most cases. The affected period in most patients was 1 year, with most having stage II breast cancer. Conclusion: Although asymptomatic unilateral subareolar breast mass in old ages is the most frequent symptom, most missed the period for early treatment due to lack of awareness of male breast cancer, therefore, their breast cancer had been for more than a year. Despite the difficulty due to the lack of data, attention needs to paid, and continuous studies required, toward male breast cancer.