MALE BREAST-CANCER

Male breast cancer is an uncommon malignancy, making it difficult to a ccurately define the features and optimal management of this disease. As more information is generated, it appears that the pathogenesis is related in large part to hormonal alterations but that the histologic features, biologic behavior, and prognosis are similar to tumors in fe male patients. As a result of larger studies based upon female patient s, treatment algorithms have evolved to include multimodality therapy and less radical surgery. Continued research of this disease will cont inue to define improved methods of detection, prevention, and treatmen t, and, without the confounding variables of the menstrual cycle, meno pause, and childbirth, may also provide a clearer understanding of bre ast cancer in women. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.