What is the typical surgical treatment for carcinoma of the male breast?

What is the typical surgical treatment for carcinoma of the male breast?

• A. Radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection plus radiation therapy
• B. Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy
• C. Simple mastectomy without nodes
• D. Chemotherapy only

Answer: (A)

In male breast cancer, removing both the tumor and potential spread to the axillary nodes has long been the standard aim, because the disease often presents close to the nipple with limited surrounding tissue. The typical surgical approach is radical mastectomy with removal of the breast and axillary lymph nodes, often followed by radiation therapy to the chest wall or regional nodes. This combination provides thorough local control, allows accurate nodal staging, and reduces the risk of recurrence by addressing both the primary tumor and possible nodal involvement. While newer, breast-conserving options and sentinel node approaches are used in select cases, the described regimen remains the classic, historically standard surgical treatment for male breast carcinoma.

In male breast cancer, removing both the tumor and potential spread to the axillary nodes has long been the standard aim, because the disease often presents close to the nipple with limited surrounding tissue. The typical surgical approach is radical mastectomy with removal of the breast and axillary lymph nodes, often followed by radiation therapy to the chest wall or regional nodes. This combination provides thorough local control, allows accurate nodal staging, and reduces the risk of recurrence by addressing both the primary tumor and possible nodal involvement. While newer, breast-conserving options and sentinel node approaches are used in select cases, the described regimen remains the classic, historically standard surgical treatment for male breast carcinoma.