The ins and outs of male breast and anterior chest wall lesions from childhood to adulthood

Abstract

Physiological and pathological processes arising from the breast and anterior chest wall may share similar clinical presentations because of the small volume of male breasts. Therefore, imaging is frequently required to localise and characterise the lesion and guide biopsy when radiological findings are equivocal or suspicious. Mammography or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and ultrasound are the mainstays of breast imaging work-up. Other imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography (PET) can sometimes augment the investigation and aid treatment planning. This article reviews the key imaging features of a wide spectrum of benign and malignant conditions that involve the male breast and anterior chest wall across various age groups. Familiarisation with the salient radiological findings is essential for reaching an accurate diagnosis and optimising management.