Male Mammography




© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015
Peter Hogg, Judith Kelly and Claire Mercer (eds.)Digital Mammography10.1007/978-3-319-04831-4_29


29. Male Mammography



Susan E. Garnett 


(1)
Breast Unit, Ground Floor West Wing University Hospital, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK

 



 

Susan E. Garnett



Male breast cancer is rare compared to female breast cancer, with less than 1 % of all breast cancer patients being male [1]. The incidence of male breast cancer is slowly increasing [2]. All breast pathologies found in the female breast may also been seen in the male breast.

Performing male mammography is controversial as cancer can be distinguished from gynaecomastia clinically, and sonography can be performed for confirmation. However research is limited regarding appropriate diagnostic testing [2]. The male breast is undeveloped but is influenced by oestrogen and testosterone affecting the small amount of breast tissue found behind the nipple. This rudimentary breast tissue contains mainly major subareolar ducts and rarely ductal lobular units.


Gynaecomastia


Gynaecomastia is the most common condition in males [1]. An oestrogen surge (in young men), or a drop in testosterone in men older than 60 years can influence development of the rudimentary ducts and lobules behind the nipple producing a symmetrical or asymmetrical lump. This is easily assessed by ultrasound to determine its dendritic nature. More asymmetric and harder masses can also be assessed by ultrasound although mammography is useful for excluding calcifications and secondary lesions.

Doyle et al. [3] in a review study, concluded most male symptoms are benign. However, some radiological features that are considered benign in a female are more uncertain in males, such as well-defined masses or larger rounder and scattered calcifications. In males breast cancer often presents as a firm subareolar mass eccentric to the nipple [1].

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

May 29, 2017 | Posted by in GYNECOLOGY | Comments Off on Male Mammography

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access