Breast conservation for male breast carcinoma

Abstract

Male breast cancer in general is treated by modified radical mastectomy. Data have emerged supporting the replacement of the axillary lymph node dissection by a sentinel lymph node biopsy in the male patient with breast carcinoma. Local therapy in the breast continues to be primarily mastectomy. The reasons suggested for this include the central location of many of the male breast tumors and the paucity of breast tissue. Our experience with breast conservation over the last decade in male breast carcinoma and a review of the literature is outlined here. Between 1996 and 2006, seven men underwent breast conservation for breast carcinoma and to date with a median follow-up of 67 months, there have been no local recurrences. Breast carcinoma in males can be treated with breast conservation with acceptable local recurrence. Breast-conserving surgery in male breast cancer patients should be considered an option in patients without overt nipple/areolar involvement.