PATHOLOGY OF THE MALE BREAST

Gynecomastia

• the male breast is subject of hormonal influences-enlargement of male breast may occur due to stimulation by estrogens- hyperestronism
• excess of estrogens may occur in a variety of circumstances, such as -in puberty or in very old age- owing to relative increase in adrenal estrogens as the androgenic function of the testis fails
• in testicular tumors with production of estrogens (Leydig cell tumors, Sertoli cell tumors)
• in cirrhosis- the liver is responsible for metabolism of estrogens
• grossly:unilateral or bilateral enlargement of the male breast
• histologically: proliferation of dense fibrous stroma and hyperplasia of the epithelium of the ducts- ductal lining may appear multilayered with papillae

Carcinoma

• very rare in male breast- in advanced age
• grossly: ulceration of the skin more common than in women
• clinical behaviour-the same as that of the breast cancer in women, including dissemination

Category: Pathology Notes