The Utility of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Further Evaluation of Male Breast Cancer

Abstract

Male breast carcinoma is very rare and accounts for only 1% of all breast cancers, less than 1% of all male cancers. It is traditionally the first-line approach of mammography imaging and is highly sensitive and specific for breast cancer in men. However, due to the small size of their breast and the mass being stiff, mammography can not be sufficient quality. Also, for a malignant mass in the male breast, resulting in faster pectoral muscle invasion, so early detection of male breast cancer is essential. Because of the rarity of breast cancer in male patients, our data in men are usually based on case reports and female patients. The literature is also minimal on the usage of breast MRI in male patients. MRI is the most sensitive to detect for breast malignancy. MRI shows that the real size of the tumor, the invasion of nipple, skin and pectoral muscle, and axillary regions. In this case, breast MRI better demonstrated the skin, nipple, and pectoral muscle invasion of the mass in the left breast of an 85-year-old male patient who could not be fully localized by mammography and sonography.