MALE BREAST CARCINOMA

Male Breast Carcinoma

Definition

Male breast carcinoma is a rare malignancy that accounts for approximately 1% of all breast cancers.

Types

1. Invasive ductal carcinoma: Most common type, accounting for 70-80% of all male breast cancers.
   • Invasive lobular carcinoma: Rare type, accounting for 5% of all male breast cancers.
   • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Non-invasive type, accounting for 10-15% of all male breast cancers.
   • Inflammatory breast cancer: Rare type, characterized by inflammation of the breast tissue.
   • Paget's disease of the nipple: Rare type, characterized by eczematous changes of the nipple.

Clinical Features

1. Painless lump: Most common presenting symptom.
2. Nipple retraction or inversion: May be present.
3. Skin changes: Redness, warmth, or thickening of the skin.
4. Axillary lymphadenopathy: May be present.
5. Systemic symptoms: Fatigue, weight loss, or anemia.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Family history: Family history of breast cancer increases the risk.
2. Genetic mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase the risk.
3. Hormonal influences: High levels of estrogen and low levels of androgen.
4. Age: Risk increases with age.
5. Radiation exposure: Previous radiation exposure to the chest.
6. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): Increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Diagnostic Techniques

1. Mammography: Initial imaging modality.
2. Ultrasound: Used for further evaluation.
3. Biopsy: Cytology or histology.
4. Immunohistochemistry: Used for subtyping and prognostication.
5. Genetic testing: For BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

Management Principles

1. Surgery: Mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery.
2. Chemotherapy: Used for systemic treatment.
3. Hormonal therapy: Used for hormone receptor-positive tumors.
4. Radiation therapy: Used for local control.
5. Targeted therapy: Used for HER2-positive tumors.

Homeopathic Support

1. Calcarea carbonica: For breast cancer with hormonal imbalances.
2. Thuja occidentalis: For breast cancer with skin changes.
3. Selenium: For antioxidant support.
4. Iodum: For thyroid support.
5. Calcium: For bone health.

Blood Supply

1. Internal mammary artery: Supplies the medial and superior portions of the breast.
2. Thoraco-acromial artery: Supplies the lateral and inferior portions of the breast.
3. Pectoral branches: Supply the pectoralis major muscle.

Nerve Supply

1. Lateral thoracic nerve: Supplies the skin of the lateral chest wall.
2. Long thoracic nerve: Supplies the serratus anterior muscle.
3. Thoracodorsal nerve: Supplies the latissimus dorsi muscle.

Clinical Anatomy

1. Breast tissue: Composed of lobules, ducts, and connective tissue.
2. Breast skin: Composed of dermis and epidermis.
3. Nipple-areola complex: Composed of ducts, glands, and connective tissue.