Dr. Borgen on the Prognosis of Male Breast Cancer

Patrick Borgen, MD, chair and surgery director of the Breast Cancer Program at Maimonides Medical Center, discusses the prognosis of breast cancer in male patients.

A few years ago, a 3:1 matched pair analysis was conducted at Maimonides Medical Center where investigators controlled for age, stage, and treatment, Borgen says. The investigators found that the prognosis of breast cancer in male patients was identical to that of female patients with the disease, according to Borgen. However, male patients often experience a delay in diagnosis, Borgen adds.

Additionally, a smaller envelope of tissue is noted when comparing the male breast with the female breast. The incidence of nipple or muscle involvement is higher in male patients vs female patients, Borgen says. If these factors can be controlled, the prognosis between male and female patients is similar, Borgen concludes.