Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties 2025;80(1):24-28

doi:https://doi.org/10.61662/PCS_fjmc5515

Metastatic axillary lymphadenopathy from a triple-negative occult breast carcinoma in a male patient: A case report

Lara Veronica Louise G. Montano 1 ; Louis Matthew C. Manlongat 1 ; Francisco Y. Arcellana Jr. 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Case Report; Occult Breast Carcinoma; Axillary Nodes

Country

Philippines

Language

English

Abstract

Occult Breast Carcinomas (OBCs) are rare. History and physical examination alone may lead to misdiagnosis hence inappropriate investigative and treatment modalities. Diagnosis is difficult without tissue biopsy and extensive immunohistochemical staining. Presented here is a 74-year-old Filipino male with a 2-month history of axillary mass with erythematous skin, initially assessed as hidradenitis suppurativa failing to resolve with antibiotics. An excision biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma within the lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical stains confirmed a breast primary. Radiologic imaging showed no breast lesions and no distant metastasis. Axillary node dissection done showed metastasis to 5 in 14 nodes harvested, classifying him as OBC Stage IIIA (cT0pN2M0). He completed whole breast radiotherapy and chemotherapy. No tumor recurrence was documented thereafter. Although misdiagnosis is common, OBC is a condition to consider in male patients presenting with axillary lymphadenopathy.