Male breast carcinoma in a 45-year-old without known risk factors: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Male breast carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy, accounting for approximately 1% of all breast neoplasms. Most cases usually occur after the age of 60 and often present in advanced stages. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case report of a 45-year-old male who presented with a lump in his left breast along with left axillary lymphadenopathy, without any known risk factors. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the lesion showed malignant epithelial cells consistent with ductal carcinoma. Core needle biopsy was advised; however, the patient underwent a left modified radical mastectomy at another center. Histopathological examination confirmed invasive ductal carcinoma. He received adjuvant chemotherapy and is currently undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. He is now clinically stable, with no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis 11 months after chemotherapy, and continues regular oncological follow-up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Male breast carcinoma usually occurs in the elderly population and is frequently associated with genetic and hormonal risk factors. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, imaging, and histopathological confirmation. A brief review of previously reported cases demonstrates invasive ductal carcinoma as the most common histological subtype. CONCLUSION: Breast carcinoma should always be considered as one of the differential diagnoses for a male breast lump. Prompt evaluation with appropriate imaging and tissue diagnosis is essential for timely management and improved outcomes.