Clinicopathological features, prognostic factors and treatment outcome in male breast cancer: An observational retrospective study from tertiary cancer center
Sunigdha, Niketa Thakur, Ramandeep Singh, Rajiv Devgan, Gunjan Sharma, K Manraj SinghABSTRACT
Background:
Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers worldwide. Limited awareness among patients and clinicians often results in delayed diagnosis and advanced stage at presentation. Data from India remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the clinic pathological profile, treatment patterns, and outcomes of MBC patients at our tertiary cancer institute.
Methodology:
A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Government Medical College and State Cancer Institute, Amritsar, from 2014 to 2023. Sixteen histologically confirmed MBC cases were analyzed for demographics, clinical presentation, pathological findings, treatment details, and outcomes. Diagnosis was confirmed by FNAC/biopsy, and hormone receptor status was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Staging was performed according to the AJCC 8 th edition.
Results:
The mean age was 59 years (median: 56; range: 39–74). The most common presentation was a breast lump (62.5%), followed by skin changes and inflammatory lesions (18.75% each). Left-sided involvement was predominant (87.5%), with the central quadrant most frequently affected (50%). At the time of diagnosis, 43.75% had stage II, 37.5% stage III, and 18.75% metastatic disease. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the predominant histology (75%), with hormone receptor positivity in 56.25%. Modified radical mastectomy was performed in nine patients and chemotherapy was given to 81.25%. Hormonal therapy was prescribed in 56.25% cases. The mean overall survival was 52.5 months. Patients with advanced disease had median survival of 16.4 months. Out of 16 patients, six died of disease with a median survival of 16.4 months (interquartile range, IQR): 13.3–58.0; range: 13.1–66.6 months). Remaining 10 patients who presented early and underwent treatment, had median survival duration of 67.3 months (IQR: 30.3–98.6; range: 6.6–115.5 months).
Conclusion:
MBC in India presents at a relatively younger age and more advanced stage compared to Western cohorts. Survival is compromised by delayed diagnosis, social stigma, and treatment noncompliance. Greater awareness, timely detection, and standardized multimodality care are essential to improve outcomes.