An Institutional Audit and Pictorial Review of Common Male Breast Diseases

Objective: To review the mammographic and sonographic features of common benign and malignant lesions of the male breast. Methods: This was a retrospective institutional review. A total of 72 consecutive male patients having breast imaging performed between 1 July 1999 and 30 June 2010 were included. The clinical data and electronic radiological images were retrieved from the electronic patient record, radiology information system, and Advantage Workstation (GE Healthcare). Results: The mean age of the patients was 57 (range, 12- 86) years. Indications for breast imaging included: breast mass (83%), breast tenderness (10%), nipple discharge (5%), and inverted nipple (3%). Mammographic examination was performed in 49 patients, and sonographic examination in 71. Biopsies were obtained from 19 patients. In 18 patients, no abnormality was found. The imaging / pathological diagnoses in the remainder were categorised as benign or malignant. Benign lesions included: gynaecomastia (n = 42), lipoma (n = 2), fibrocystic change (n = 2), and epidermal inclusion cyst (n = 1). Malignant lesions included: carcinoma (n = 6) and Paget's disease (n = 1). The clinical presentations and salient imaging features of these patients are discussed. Conclusion: Based on knowledge of mammographic and sonographic features of the common benign and malignant lesions of the male breast, accurate radiological diagnoses can be achieved and unnecessary biopsy procedures can be avoided.