Journal of Medical Case Reports (Jan 2024)

De novo male breast metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a case report

  • Saida Sakhri,
  • Ines Zemni,
  • Mohamed Ali Ayadi,
  • Fethia Abidi,
  • Yoldez Houcine,
  • Sonia Sghaier,
  • Tarek Ben Dhiab

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-024-04353-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 1
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Abstract Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is known for its high potential for regional and distant metastasis. However, breast metastasis is rarely reported. Case presentation A 39-year-old Caucasian male presented with bilateral neck lymph node enlargement. Radiological examination with contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and breast imaging revealed an enhancing mass lesion in the right breast. Histopathology of the nasopharynx mass was suggestive of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A breast biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of synchronous breast metastasis from the nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We present this study to illustrate that Nasopharyngeal carcinoma can metastasize to the male breast. Furthermore, the high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis underscores the pressing need to identify effective and safe strategies, emphasizing the importance of utilizing computed tomography scans for metastasis detection. Conclusion The present study illustrates the first case of synchronous male breast metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Thus, it is critical to distinguish between metastatic pathology and coexisting second malignancies to plan appropriate therapy.

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