Management of Male Breast Cancer in Togo: A Retrospective Study from the National Referral Oncology Unit

<i>Background</i>: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare cancer. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, pathological, and treatment features of MBC cases managed in an oncological setting in Togo. <i>Methods</i>: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on all histologically confirmed MBC cases diagnosed between March 2016 and March 2024 at the Oncology Unit of Sylvanus Olympio University Teaching Hospital in Lomé, Togo. Epidemiological, clinical, histological, and therapeutic data were collected from medical records and analyzed using SPSS version 27. <i>Results</i>: Fifteen cases of MBC were identified among 653 confirmed breast cancer cases, representing a frequency of 2.3%. The mean age at diagnosis was 61 ± 15.75 years (range, 36-95 years). Most patients (33%) were aged 60-69 years. The average delay in seeking consultation was 36 months (range: 12-48 months). The most common presenting symptom was a retroareolar breast mass (n = 12; 80%). Invasive carcinoma of no special type was the predominant histological subtype (n = 12; 80%). Immunohistochemistry was performed on seven patients: three had luminal subtypes, while four had triple-negative tumors. Tumors were classified as T2 in 40%, T3 in 13.3%, and T4 in 46.7% of cases. Five patients (33.3%) initially presented with metastasis. Surgery was performed on eight patients. Chemotherapy was given to six patients. Radiotherapy was administered to one patient. Endocrine therapy was prescribed to three patients. Of the 15 patients in this study, two were lost to follow-up before treatment. Among the remaining 13 treated patients, at last follow-up, five were alive, two had no evidence of disease, and three showed evidence of disease. Additionally, three patients were lost to follow-up, and five patients had died. <i>Conclusion</i>: Male breast cancer remains a rare and often overlooked disease in our context, frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. Improving early detection strategies and increasing public awareness are crucial for achieving better outcomes.