Rare case of a large tumour of the breast area in 41-year-old male

Aim-Background

Tumours of the anterior thoracic wall and especially of the breast area mainly concern mammary gland tumours. Other breast neoplasms usually arise from the soft tissues of the area. A review of the literature identified only a few series reporting mesenchymal neoplasms in the anterior thoracic wall. The aim of this study is to present the case of a mesenchymal tumour of the breast area in a male patient; its large size, one of the largest reported in the literature, and its unusual location and histology are of particular interest. We also review the relative literature.

Case Report

A 41-year-old man, without any health problems, noticed a small firm tumour in the area of his right breast which had gradually enlarged over the past year. Preliminary diagnostic studies (fine needle aspiration biopsy, core biopsy) showed atypical mesenchymal elements that suggested malignancy. The patient underwent a wide surgical excision of the tumour.

Results

The tumour was located between the major and minor thoracic muscles, and measured 12 cms in its greatest diameter. Histologically, it proved to be a cellular and atypical neurofibroma. These tumours usually arise in neurofibromatosis; the solitary variant, such as our case, is very rare. Total surgical removal is the treatment of choice.