Breast cancer in female-to-male transsexuals: two cases with a review of physiology and management

Clin Breast Cancer. 2011 Dec;11(6):417-9. doi: 10.1016/j.clbc.2011.06.006. Epub 2011 Aug 10.

Abstract

Testosterone is important for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals, but it may increase breast cancer risk. To date, only one breast cancer case has been reported in the literature in a FtM transsexual after 10 years of testosterone therapy. We describe 2 cases of breast cancers diagnosed in FtM transsexuals who have been treated with supraphysiological doses of testosterone. Our 2 cases demonstrate the unique issues that concern the management of FtM transsexuals with breast cancer and examine possible roles of testosterone in the development of breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Testosterone / administration & dosage*
  • Testosterone / adverse effects
  • Transsexualism*

Substances

  • Testosterone