Clinicopathological Characteristics and Outcomes of Male Patients with Resected Distant Metastasis-Free Breast Cancer in A Single Center

Objective To investigate the clinicopathological features, treatment strategies and outcomes of male patients with resected distant metastasis-free breast cancer.

Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological characteristics, clinical diagnosis, treatments and outcomes of 152 adult male patients with resected distant metastasis-free breast cancer.

Results The median age was 58 years. Among 152 patients, the initial symptom of 142 cases was palpable lump and 4 cases were ductal carcinoma in situ. Among 148 cases of invasive carcinoma, 128 cases were invasive ductal carcinoma, 139 cases were estrogen receptor-positive and 11 cases were human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive. A total of 149 cases received mastectomy and 3 cases received breast conservation. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed on 19 patients, 4 cases were positive and 15 cases were negative, while 8 patients underwent axillary lymph node dissection. The median follow-up time was 42.7 (2-179.5) months. The 5-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate were 82.4% and 69.9%, respectively.

Conclusion Lymph node status (N) is significantly associated with the disease-free survival and overall survival of male patients with resected distant metastasis-free breast cancer and it's an important prognostic factor.