Prolactinoma and breast cancer in a male
8. Calabresi E., De Guili G., Becciolini A., Giannotti P.,
Lombardo G., Serio M.
any case of male breast cancer and the compre-
hension of its relationship with local and systemic
hormones and growth factors, might give impor-
tant information on the interactions between PRL
and tumor induction and/or growth. Genetic alter-
ations at the level of proto-oncogenes as well as of
tumor suppressor genes would also be worth in-
vestigation of their prognostic significance.
The above data clearly suggest a relationship be-
tween PRL and breast cancer; unfortunately the rel-
ative rarity of the association between this cancer
and hyperprolactinemia has not allowed enough in
vivo studies to determine whether PRL is a causative
agent of breast cancer per se. On the other hand,
the present case report further supports a role for
PRL in inducing breast cancer. Therefore, we rec-
ommend an accurate physical examination and a
bilateral mammographic study in any case of hy-
perprolactinemia (especially prolactinoma). Conver-
sely, in the presence of unilateral or bilateral breast
cancer we think it is mandatory to perform at least
a complete baseline hormonal profile. These simple
rules might lead to a prompt diagnosis, a faster
control of hyperprolactinemia and improvement in
the prognosis of breast cancer.
Plasma estrogens and androgens in male breast
cancer.
J. Steroid Biochem. 1976, 7: 605-609.
9. Hayward J.
Hormones and human breast cancer.
Springer Verlag, Berlin, 1970, p. 113.
10. Bavafa S., Reyes C.V., Choudhuri A.M.
Male breast carcinoma: an updated experience at
a veterans administration hospital and review of the
literature.
J. Surg. Oncol. 1983, 24: 41-45.
11. Mioduszewski O., Woszarowski T., Gorski C.
The influence of hormones on breast cancer in vitro
in relation to the clinical course of the disease.
In: Forrest A.P.M., Kunkler P.B. (Eds.), Prognostic
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Livingstone, Edimburgh, 1968. p. 347.
12. Mertani H.C., Garcia-Caballero T., Lambert A.,
Gerard F., Palayer C., Boutin J.M., Vonderhaar B.K.,
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Cellular expression of growth hormone and prolactin
receptors in human breast disorders.
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13. Ortega J.V., Longridge N.S.
Fracture of the sellae turcicae.
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14. Crampton M.R.
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