Metastatic Axillary Lymphadenopathy from a Triple-Negative Occult Breast Carcinoma in a Male Patient: A Case Report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Occult Breast Carcinomas (OBCs) are rare. History and physical examination alone may lead to misdiagnosis hence inappropriate investigative and treatment modalities. Diagnosis is difficult without tissue biopsy and extensive immunohistochemical staining. Presented here is a 74-year-old Filipino male with a 2-month history of axillary mass with erythematous skin, initially assessed as hidradenitis suppurativa failing to resolve with antibiotics. An excision biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma within the lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical stains confirmed a breast primary. Radiologic imaging showed no breast lesions and no distant metastasis. Axillary node dissection done showed metastasis to 5 in 14 nodes harvested, classifying him as OBC Stage IIIA (cT0pN2M0). He completed whole breast radiotherapy and chemotherapy. No tumor recurrence was documented thereafter. Although misdiagnosis is common, OBC is a condition to consider in male patients presenting with axillary lymphadenopathy. Key words: case report, occult breast carcinoma, axillary nodes, lymphadenopathy, male
Authors: Lara Veronica Louise Montano, Louis Matthew Manlongat, Francisco Arcellana
Institution: Capitol Medical Center
Language: English
Topic: Male Breast Health Studies
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4411569409