Steroidal Hormone Receptor Expression in Male Breast Cancer

Background & aim: Although the etiology of male breast cancer is unclear, hormonal levels may play a role in the development of this disease. It seems that reduced androgen or increased estrogen stimulation can promote the risk of breast cancer in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of steroid hormone receptors including estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in Iranian male subjects with breast cancer. Methods: This prospective review was conducted on 18 male cases with breast cancer in Omid Hospital, Mashhad, Iran (Oct. 2001-Oct. 2006). ER and PR were measured by immuno-histochemistry, and clinicopathologic features and family history were obtained via interviews. Data were analyzed with SPSS Version 13, and using descriptive statistics. Results: The median age was 63.2 years, and all cases presented with infiltrating ductal carcinoma. The results revealed a high rate of ER (88.8%) and PR (66.6%) expression. Conclusion: Male breast cancer is significantly more likely to express hormonal receptors in comparison with female breast cancer.