Inflammatory breast cancer in men: A rare clinical case report and a literature review

Angeline Tanhueco, Mina M.G. Youssef

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Abstract

Introduction and importance

The initial misdiagnosis and delayed treatment for inflammatory breast cancer in men is brought about by its rarity and lack of readily available guidelines on pathways.
Case presentation

A 78-year-old male presented to the breast clinic with an abscess and was later diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. He presented with an abscess and was initially treated with antibiotics. Imaging showed a large left breast mass consistent with inflammatory carcinoma with axillary lymph node involvement. Patient was started on Tamoxifen as a bridge for surgery with no response. He eventually had a mastectomy and axillary clearance with the histology confirming the diagnosis and tumour emboli in the lymphatic vessels. Chemotherapy, radiation and dual hormone therapy were included in the adjuvant treatment plan. Two episodes of neutropenic sepsis led to completing only five out of six planned chemotherapy cycles.
Clinical discussion

A review of literature and the reported cases was done by the team to contribute to the little information published about the disease and its management. The presented to the breast clinic during the height of the SARS- CoV-2 pandemic. The global impact of SARS-CoV-19 made surgical teams find ways to lessen elective lists to give way for patients affected during the pandemic.
Conclusion

Very few cases of inflammatory breast cancer have been reported in men. The diagnosis can be missed leading to delay in management. Management can be challenging and complex.
Original languageEnglish
Article number105696
JournalInternational Journal of Surgery Case Reports
Volume80
Early online date24 Feb 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2021

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