The Spectrum of Male Breast Diseases: A 10-Year Retrospective Study from Sulaimani Breast Clinic, Iraq

Background: Male breast diseases are rare and understudied, comprising a small percentage of cases at breast clinics. Most are benign, with gynecomastia being the most frequent diagnosis. Objective: To describe the spectrum of male breast diseases at Sulaimani Breast Clinic, Iraq, including clinical presentation, imaging patterns, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches. Methods: A 10-year retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2018. Out of 129,916 total patients, 208 male patients presenting with breast-related complaints were included. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, imaging results, biopsy findings, diagnoses, and treatment outcomes. Results: Patient age ranged from 13 to 103 years (mean ± SD: 49.36 ± 16.67). The most common presenting symptom was breast enlargement (61.1%), followed by breast pain (26.4%). Imaging was underutilised, with mammography performed in only 6.7% and ultrasonography in 21.2%. Core needle biopsy and FNAC were used selectively. Benign conditions accounted for 98.1% of cases, with gynecomastia being the most prevalent (59.1%). Breast cancer was identified in 1.9% of patients, all presenting with breast masses and clinically enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Conclusion: Male patients comprised a small portion of breast clinic attendees. Most are presented with benign conditions, particularly gynecomastia. Breast cancer, although rare, was associated with late-stage signs. Increased imaging use and improved patient follow-up are recommended