Carcinoma of the male breast following radiation. Report of a case occurring 35 years after radiation therapy of unilateral prepubertal gynecomastia

A 46-year-old Caucasian man with carcinoma of the right breast received therapeutic radiation to the same breast for prepubertal gynecomastia some 35 years previously. The carcinogenic effects of irradiation are reviewed with respect to occupational exposure and diagnostic and therapeutic iatrogenesis. Epidemiologic factors in the etiology of carcinoma of the male breast are considered, especially those related to abnormalities in the metabolism of estrogen, both exogenous and endogenous. It is felt that the therapeutic irradiation may have been significant in the development of mammary carcinoma in this patient.