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Estrogen receptors, hormonal imbalance, gynecomastia, hyperestrogenemia, and male breast cancer: a literature review
1Department of Beauty Cosmetics, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, 27478 Chungju, Republic of Korea
2College of General Education, Kookmin University, 02707 Seoul, Republic of Korea
DOI: 10.22514/jomh.2024.143 Vol.20,Issue 9,September 2024 pp.1-9
Submitted: 20 December 2023 Accepted: 29 January 2024
Published: 30 September 2024
*Corresponding Author(s): Ki Han Kwon E-mail: kihan.kwon@kookmin.ac.kr
Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare, malignant tumor. It occurs in men where it accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers. This is linked with the hormonal imbalance of estrogen and androgen levels. The objective of this review is to provide the details about pathophysiology of gynecomastia (GM) caused by estrogen hormone imbalance along with the explanation of hyperestrogenemia caused by excessive estrogen, the treatment, the adjuvant, and preventive management of MBC currently used by clinical research. Treatment, prevention, and management strategies for MBC follow the similar protocols as for female breast cancer, but today’s treatment strategies include hormone-manipulating chemotherapy and biologics. The use of gene metabolites or active isomers, hormonal therapy and resection are also illustrated in clinical cases. Regarding the treatment and prevention of MBC, it is expected that the treatment strategies will shift to personalized medicine in the future, as it is difficult to identify mutant genes and perform effective genetic screening. Nevertheless, through our narrative review, this article discusses the differences between male and female breast cancer, the relationship between male hormones and breast cancer, and potential future treatment strategies.
Male breast cancer; Estrogen; Gynecomastia; Hyperestrogenemia
Yeonhee Pyo,Ki Han Kwon. Estrogen receptors, hormonal imbalance, gynecomastia, hyperestrogenemia, and male breast cancer: a literature review. Journal of Men's Health. 2024. 20(9);1-9.
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