Clinical and ultrasonographic features of male breast tumors: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics of male breast tumors.MethodsThe medical records of male patients with breast lesions were retrieved from an electronic medical record database and a pathology database and retrospectively reviewed. A total of 112 men (125 breast masses) with preoperative breast ultrasonography (US) were included (median age, 59.50 years; age range, 15–96 years). Data extracted included patient age, if the lesions were bilateral, palpable, and tender, and the presence of nipple discharge. Breast lesion features on static US images were reviewed by three experienced radiologists without knowledge of physical examination or pathology results, original breast US image interpretations, or surgical outcomes. The US features were documented according to the BI-RADS (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System) US lexicons. A forth radiologist compiled the data for analysis.ResultsOf the 125 breast masses, palpable tender lumps and bilateral synchronous masses were more likely to be benign than malignant (both, 100% vs 0%, P < 0.05). Advanced age and bloody discharge from nipples were common in malignant lesions (P <0.05). A mass eccentric to a nipple, irregular shape, the presence of an echogenic halo, predominantly internal vascularity, and rich color flow signal on color Doppler ultrasound were significantly related to malignancy (all, P < 0.05). An echogenic halo and the presence of rich color flow signal were independent predictors of malignancy.ConclusionSpecific clinical and US characteristics of male breast tumors may help guide treatment, and determine if surgery or conservative treatment is preferable.

Male Breast Cancer in Togo: Imaging and Clinicopathological Findings

“…Due to the low abundance of breast tissue, mammography can be difficult to perform in the male subject [ 17 ]. Some studies have even found that ultrasound and clinical examination may be enough to decide what to do with a breast lesion in the male subject [ 18 ]. In Africa, there are a few studies on the radiopathological correlation of lesions suspected of breast cancer in men, such as that of N'timon et al [ 19 ] in Togo and Ouedraogo et al [ 20 ] in Burkina Faso.…”

“…This must also be taken into account in men, where the risk of error seems higher, which can lead to misunderstanding a malignant lesion for a simple gynecomastia due to the high prevalence of these types of lesion in men. In all cases, a unilateral gynecomastia in an elderly subject, in the absence of any hormonal or metabolic factor, must be verified by an ultrasound and a mammography and in case of doubt submitted for fine needle aspiration for cytology or surgical biopsy for histological diagnosis [ 18 ].…”

Imaging findings and classification of the common and uncommon male breast diseases

“…The incidence of microcalcifications is lower than female breast cancer. Retroareolar, non-parallel, hypoechoic mass with irregular borders and variable vascularity are well-known Accompanying secondary findings can also be seen in US [3,4,7,9,15] (Fig. 11).…”

“…However, parenchymal opacity or distortion may, also, be seen if invasive carcinoma accompanies. The findings on US are non-specific, but coexistent IDC foci may be seen as mass or distortion [6,7,9].…”

“…In case of suspicious lesions, vascularity assessment can be done using the Doppler mode. Sonoelastography may be used as auxiliary modality, although not on a routine basis [6][7][8][9].…”