Male breast cancer: clinico-pathological features, immunocytochemical characteristics and prognosis

Eur J Surg Oncol. 1996 Feb;22(1):42-6. doi: 10.1016/s0748-7983(96)91418-3.

Abstract

A series of 30 cases of male breast cancer in the North-East of Scotland is reviewed. The aims of the study were to document clinico-pathological and immunocytochemical features (available for 25) of these patients and to establish which factors could predict prognosis. Tumours were studied for the expression of oestrogen receptors (ERs), the oestrogen-dependent proteins pS2 and cathepsin D, the oncoprotein products of c-erb-B2 and the p53 tumour-suppressor-gene derived protein. Clinico-pathological features documented were in agreement with those reported by other authors. The overall 5-year survival was 53%. Tumour grade and lymph-node status influenced prognosis. In this series, 64% of the tumours expressed ERs, 50% pS2, 46% cathepsin D, 42% the c-erb-B2 transmembrane oncoprotein and 54% p53. In contrast to female breast cancer, the presence of either substantial amounts of ERs or the oestrogen-dependent protein pS2 correlated with poorer prognosis in males. This correlation has not previously been documented.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms, Male / chemistry*
  • Breast Neoplasms, Male / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms, Male / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms, Male / pathology
  • Cathepsin D / analysis
  • Estrogens / analysis
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Proteins*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Analysis
  • Trefoil Factor-1
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / analysis
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proteins
  • TFF1 protein, human
  • Trefoil Factor-1
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Cathepsin D