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Heng YJ, Baker GM, Fein-Zachary VJ, Guzman-Arocho YD, Bret-Mounet VC, Massicott ES, Torous VF, Schnitt SJ, Gitin S, Russo P, Tobias AM, Bartlett RA, Varma G, Kontos D, Yaghjyan L, Irwig MS, Potter JE, Wulf GM. Effect of testosterone therapy on breast tissue composition and mammographic breast density in trans masculine individuals. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:109. [PMID: 38956693 PMCID: PMC11221014 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01867-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of gender-affirming testosterone therapy (TT) on breast cancer risk is unclear. This study investigated the association between TT and breast tissue composition and breast tissue density in trans masculine individuals (TMIs). METHODS Of the 444 TMIs who underwent chest-contouring surgeries between 2013 and 2019, breast tissue composition was assessed in 425 TMIs by the pathologists (categories of lobular atrophy and stromal composition) and using our automated deep-learning algorithm (% epithelium, % fibrous stroma, and % fat). Forty-two out of 444 TMIs had mammography prior to surgery and their breast tissue density was read by a radiologist. Mammography digital files, available for 25/42 TMIs, were analyzed using the LIBRA software to obtain percent density, absolute dense area, and absolute non-dense area. Linear regression was used to describe the associations between duration of TT use and breast tissue composition or breast tissue density measures, while adjusting for potential confounders. Analyses stratified by body mass index were also conducted. RESULTS Longer duration of TT use was associated with increasing degrees of lobular atrophy (p < 0.001) but not fibrous content (p = 0.82). Every 6 months of TT was associated with decreasing amounts of epithelium (exp(β) = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95,0.98, adj p = 0.005) and fibrous stroma (exp(β) = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98,1.00, adj p = 0.05), but not fat (exp(β) = 1.01, 95%CI 0.98,1.05, adj p = 0.39). The effect of TT on breast epithelium was attenuated in overweight/obese TMIs (exp(β) = 0.98, 95% CI 0.95,1.01, adj p = 0.14). When comparing TT users versus non-users, TT users had 28% less epithelium (exp(β) = 0.72, 95% CI 0.58,0.90, adj p = 0.003). There was no association between TT and radiologist's breast density assessment (p = 0.58) or LIBRA measurements (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS TT decreases breast epithelium, but this effect is attenuated in overweight/obese TMIs. TT has the potential to affect the breast cancer risk of TMIs. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the effect of TT on breast density and breast cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing J Heng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Dana 517B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Gabrielle M Baker
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Dana 517B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Valerie J Fein-Zachary
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yaileen D Guzman-Arocho
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Dana 517B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Vanessa C Bret-Mounet
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Dana 517B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Erica S Massicott
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Dana 517B, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Vanda F Torous
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stuart J Schnitt
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute-Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sy Gitin
- The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Adam M Tobias
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard A Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gopal Varma
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Despina Kontos
- Departments of Radiology, Biomedical Informatics, and Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lusine Yaghjyan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael S Irwig
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Potter
- The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerburg M Wulf
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Cortina CS, Purdy A, Brazauskas R, Stachowiak SM, Fodrocy J, Klement KA, Sasor SE, Krucoff KB, Robertson K, Buth J, Lakatos AEB, Petroll AE, Doren EL. The Impact of a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment on the Decision for Gender-Affirming Chest Masculinization Surgery in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals: A Pilot Single-Arm Educational Intervention Trial. Ann Surg Oncol 2024:10.1245/s10434-024-15701-2. [PMID: 38940898 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons assigned female or intersex at birth and identify as transgender and/or gender-diverse (TGD) may undergo gender-affirming chest masculinization surgery (GACMS); however, GACMS is not considered equivalent to risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of elevated breast cancer (BC) risk in TGD persons, compare self-perceived versus calculated risk, and determine how risk impacts the decision for GACMS versus RRM. METHODS A prospective single-arm pilot educational intervention trial was conducted in individuals assigned female or intersex at birth, age ≥ 18 years, considering GACMS, without a BC history or a known pathogenic variant. BC risk was calculated using the Tyrer-Cuzik (all) and Gail models (age ≥ 35 years). Elevated risk was defined as ≥ 17%. RESULTS Twenty-five (N = 25) participants were enrolled with a median age of 24.0 years (interquartile range, IQR 20.0-30.0 years). All were assigned female sex at birth, most (84%) were Non-Hispanic (NH)-White, 48% identified as transgender and 40% as nonbinary, and 52% had a first- and/or second-degree family member with BC. Thirteen (52%) had elevated risk (prevalence 95% confidence interval (CI) 31.3-72.2%). Median self-perceived risk was 12% versus 17.5% calculated risk (p = 0.60). Of the 13 with elevated risk, 5 (38.5%) underwent/are scheduled to undergo GACMS, 3 (23%) of whom underwent/are undergoing RRM. CONCLUSIONS Over half of the cohort had elevated risk, and most of those who moved forward with surgery chose to undergo RRM. A BC risk assessment should be performed for TGD persons considering GACMS. Future work is needed to examine BC incidence and collect patient-reported outcomes. Trial Registration Number ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT06239766).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandler S Cortina
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Anna Purdy
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ruta Brazauskas
- Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Samantha M Stachowiak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jessica Fodrocy
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kristen A Klement
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sarah E Sasor
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kate B Krucoff
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kevin Robertson
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin's Inclusion Health Clinic, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jamie Buth
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin's Inclusion Health Clinic, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Annie E B Lakatos
- Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin's Inclusion Health Clinic, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Andrew E Petroll
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin's Inclusion Health Clinic, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Erin L Doren
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Pamulapati S, Conroy M, Cortina C, Harding E, Kamaraju S. Systematic Review on Gender-Affirming Testosterone Therapy and the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Challenge for Physicians Treating Patients from Transgender and Gender-Diverse Populations. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1969-1980. [PMID: 38148450 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02773-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Conflicting evidence exists about the risk of breast cancer in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients treated with testosterone. This review aimed to summarize current knowledge regarding the risk of breast cancer associated with gender-affirming testosterone treatment (GATT). A systematic literature search using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis checklist was conducted in January 2023 through Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. English-language, peer-reviewed articles evaluating breast cancer in TGD patients after GATT that met the inclusion criteria were included. This review included 22 articles, with 14 case reports, 4 case series, and 4 retrospective cohort studies. The review identified 26 TGD patients who developed breast cancer post-GATT therapy, with inconclusive evidence on the relationship between testosterone and the risk of breast cancer in TGD patients. This uncertainty in part arises from the mechanisms governing testosterone's effects within breast tissue, with contrasting theories proposing both proliferative and antiproliferative impacts. Considering this ambiguity, it is imperative for healthcare providers to engage in informed discussions with patients prior to initiating hormone therapy to discuss potential adverse effects, including the possibility of breast cancer development in TGD individuals. Patient education and shared decision-making are essential components of responsible care in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saagar Pamulapati
- Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital, 2400 N Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL, 61103, USA.
| | - Meghan Conroy
- Medical Education, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Chandler Cortina
- Medical Education, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Eric Harding
- Clinical Services Librarian, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sailaja Kamaraju
- Medical Education, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Wahlström E, Audisio RA, Selvaggi G. Aspects to consider regarding breast cancer risk in trans men: A systematic review and risk management approach. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299333. [PMID: 38451995 PMCID: PMC10919728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of breast cancer in trans men is currently a poorly understood subject and trans men likely carries a different level of risk from that of cis women. AIM This review aims to review several aspects that affects breast cancer risk in trans men and to apply the Swiss cheese model to highlight these risks. The study takes its cue from a systematic review of all described breast cancer cases in trans men following medical or surgical intervention because of gender dysphoria. METHODS PubMed was systematically searched on the 14th of March 2023 to find all published cases of breast cancer following chest contouring surgery in trans men. Included articles had to involve trans men, the diagnosis of breast cancer had to be preceded by either a medical or surgical intervention related to gender dysphoria, and cases needed to involve invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ. Articles were excluded if gender identity in the case subject was unclear and/or a full English version of the report was unavailable. Quality and risk of bias was evaluated using the GRADE protocol. A literature review of specific risk altering aspects in this population followed. The Swiss cheese model was employed to present a risk analysis and to propose ways of managing this risk. RESULTS 28 cases of breast cancer in trans men have been published. The Swiss cheese model identified several weaknesses associated with methods of preventing breast cancer in trans men. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study may highlight the difficulties with managing risk factors concerning breast cancer in trans men to clinicians not encountering this patient group frequently. CONCLUSION This review finds that evidence for most aspects concerning breast cancer in trans men are inadequate, which supports the establishment of a risk-management approach to breast cancer in trans men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvin Wahlström
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Riccardo A. Audisio
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gennaro Selvaggi
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Guzmán-Arocho YD, Collins LC. Pragmatic guide to the macroscopic evaluation of breast specimens. J Clin Pathol 2024; 77:204-210. [PMID: 38373781 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-208833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The pathological assessment of a breast surgical specimen starts with macroscopic evaluation, arguably one of the most critical steps, as only a small percentage of the tissue is examined microscopically. To properly evaluate and select tissue sections from breast specimens, it is essential to correlate radiological findings, prior biopsies, procedures and treatment with the gross findings. Owing to its fatty nature, breast tissue requires special attention for proper fixation to ensure appropriate microscopic evaluation and performance of ancillary studies. In addition, knowledge of the information necessary for patient management will ensure that these data are collected during the macroscopic evaluation, and appropriate sections are taken to obtain the information needed from the microscopic evaluation. Herein, we present a review of the macroscopic evaluation of different breast specimen types, including processing requirements, challenges and recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura C Collins
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Heng YJ, Baker GM, Fein-Zachary VJ, Guzman-Arocho YD, Bret-Mounet VC, Massicott ES, Gitin S, Russo P, Tobias AM, Bartlett RA, Varma G, Kontos D, Yaghjyan L, Irwig MS, Potter JE, Wulf GM. Effect of testosterone therapy on breast tissue composition and mammographic breast density in trans masculine individuals. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.09.24300987. [PMID: 38260574 PMCID: PMC10802634 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.09.24300987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Objective Determine the association between TT and breast tissue composition and breast tissue density in trans masculine individuals (TMIs). Design This is a cross-sectional study. Setting TMIs (n=444) underwent chest-contouring surgeries to treat their gender dysphoria between 2013 and 2019 at an urban medical center. Participants Of the 444 TMIs, 425 had pathology images analyzed by our deep-learning algorithm to extract breast tissue composition. A subset of 42/444 TMIs had mammography prior to surgery; mammography files were available for 25/42 TMIs and analyzed using a breast density software, LIBRA. Main Outcomes and Measures The first outcome was the association of duration of TT and breast tissue composition assessed by pathologists (categories of lobular atrophy and stromal composition) or by our algorithm (% epithelium, % fibrous stroma, and % fat). The second outcome is the association of TT and breast density as assessed by a radiologist (categorical variable) or by LIBRA (percent density, absolute dense area, and absolute non-dense area). Results Length of TT was associated with increasing degrees of lobular atrophy ( p <0.001) but not fibrous content ( p =0.821) when assessed by the pathologists. Every six months of TT was associated with decreased amounts of both epithelium (exp(β)=0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.98, adj p =0.005) and stroma (exp(β)=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-1.00, adj p =0.051), but not fat (exp(β)=1.01, 95%CI 0.98-1.05, p =0.394) in fully adjusted models. There was no association between TT and radiologist's breast density assessment ( p =0.575) or LIBRA measurements ( p >0.05). Conclusions TT decreases breast epithelium and fibrous stroma, thus potentially reducing the breast cancer risk of TMIs. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the effect of TT on breast density and breast cancer risk. Summary Box Very little is known about the effect of gender-affirming testosterone therapy on cancer risks, such as breast cancer.Epidemiological studies had different conclusions about the association between testosterone and breast cancer in cisgender women (positive association) and trans masculine individuals (inverse association).More laboratory-based research are needed to understand the effect of testosterone on breast cancer risk in the understudied trans masculine population.Our study provides quantitative histological evidence to support prior epidemiological reports that testosterone may reduce breast cancer risk in trans masculine individuals.
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Ojala K, Saarinen M, Suominen S, Schantz PMV. Preoperative breast imaging and histopathological findings in chest contouring surgery on transmen. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2023; 85:114-119. [PMID: 37480681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.06.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chest contouring is the most common surgical procedure transmen receive. Only a few articles discuss the importance of preoperative imaging and postoperative histopathological analysis of excised breast tissue. We studied the findings of preoperative breast imaging and the results of postoperative histopathological analysis in a clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 220 patients were collected retrospectively from 2005 to 2018. Preoperative imaging modalities and their findings were recorded and classified according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. The histopathological findings in breast specimens were categorized based on the World Health Organization Classification of Breast Tumors (5th edition). RESULTS Preoperative imaging was performed in 133 (60.5%) patients. Patients in the ultrasound-only group were younger (mean age 22.8) than the other groups (mammogram (MGR) 37 years and MGR+US 35.5 years). Preoperative imaging results were normal in 131 (98.5%) patients. Two patients needed further evaluation. Histopathological results were available on 206 (93.6%) patients. The most common histopathological findings were fibrosis (67.5%), atrophy (34.3%), and chronic mastopathy (14.5%). There were no high-risk or malignant findings. CONCLUSIONS The need for further examinations based on routine preoperative imaging was low (1.5%). Therefore, more individualized patient selection for preoperative imaging is justified. There were no high-risk or malignant findings in histopathological analysis, and the occurrence of benign findings was similar to that reported in previous studies. Despite our findings, based on current knowledge, histopathological examination of excised breast tissue can still be recommended. Therefore, future studies are needed to define clear guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisu Ojala
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and the University of Helsinki, Stenbackinkatu 11, P.O. Box 281, 00029, Finland.
| | - Mirjam Saarinen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and the University of Helsinki, Stenbackinkatu 11, P.O. Box 281, 00029, Finland
| | - Sinikka Suominen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and the University of Helsinki, Stenbackinkatu 11, P.O. Box 281, 00029, Finland
| | - Päivi Merkkola-von Schantz
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and the University of Helsinki, Stenbackinkatu 11, P.O. Box 281, 00029, Finland
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Risk and incidence of breast cancer in transgender individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer Prev 2023; 32:207-214. [PMID: 36789830 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The risk of developing breast cancer in transgender individuals [male-to-female (MtF) or female-to-male (FtM)] is still inadequately quantified. We aimed to evaluate the impact of breast cancer in this population. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search and review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines through the PUBMED and SCOPUS databases. We identified six cohort studies (for both populations) plus 35 case reports. Incidence and breast cancer risk quantification were the main outcomes considered. RESULTS FtM individuals had a higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 63.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 32.2-124.9] but a lower risk than cisgender women (SIR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.07-2.41). Similarly, MtF individuals were at higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men (SIR = 22.5; 95% CI, 5.54-91.8) and at lower risk than cisgender women (SIR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22-0.42). CONCLUSION In this systematic study and meta-analysis, we identified that FtM and MtF individuals are at substantially higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to cisgender men, though at lower risk than cisgender women. These individuals, in the absence of defined guidelines for breast cancer prevention, should periodically undergo breast or chest examinations.
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Gurrala RR, Kumar T, Yoo A, Mundinger GS, Womac DJ, Lau FH. The Impact of Exogenous Testosterone on Breast Cancer Risk in Transmasculine Individuals. Ann Plast Surg 2023; 90:96-105. [PMID: 36534108 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exogenous testosterone is vital to gender-affirming therapy for transmasculine individuals. Testosterone may be implicated in breast cancer (BCa) because it can activate androgen and estrogen receptors. To further explore this risk, we performed a systematic review to investigate the impact of exogenous testosterone on BCa risk in transmasculine individuals. METHODS We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid/Embase for clinical and preclinical studies assessing BCa and testosterone therapy and screened 6125 articles independently. We ascertained level of evidence using a modified tool from Cook et al (Chest. 1992;102:305S-311S) and risk of bias using a modified Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tool. RESULTS Seventy-six studies were included. Epidemiological data suggested that BCa incidence was higher in transmasculine individuals compared with cisgender men but lower compared with cisgender women. Histological studies of transmasculine breast tissue samples also demonstrated a low incidence of precancerous lesions. Interestingly, cases demonstrated that BCa occurred at a younger average age in transmasculine individuals and was predominantly hormone receptor positive. The mechanism for BCa in transmasculine individuals may be related to androgen receptor stimulation or conversion to estradiol. Serum studies reported varied estradiol levels associated with exogenous testosterone. Animal and in vitro studies demonstrated that testosterone was growth inhibitory but may induce proliferation at higher doses or with low estradiol levels. CONCLUSIONS Plastic surgeons play a critical role in providing gender-affirming care for transmasculine patients. The limited studies available suggest that this patient population has decreased risk for BCa when compared with cisgender women; however, any BCa that does occur may have different clinical presentations and underlying mechanisms compared with cisgender women and men. Overall, the limitations for clinical studies and discrepancies among preclinical studies warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aran Yoo
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
| | | | - Daniel J Womac
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
| | - Frank H Lau
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
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Wolters EA, Rabe KE, Siegel L, Butts J, Klein ME. Histopathologic Features of Breast Tissue From Transgender Men and Their Associations With Androgen Therapy. Am J Clin Pathol 2022; 159:43-52. [PMID: 36469057 PMCID: PMC9825198 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqac123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the histopathologic features of breast tissue of transgender men (TM) undergoing gender-affirming bilateral mastectomies in relation to androgen therapy (AT). METHODS We reviewed 374 transgender bilateral mastectomy cases from 2017 to 2020. Of these, 314 (84.4%) patients received preoperative AT. We compared these with 127 cases of cisgender females undergoing elective breast reduction. RESULTS Breast specimens from TM on AT, compared with cisgender women, showed a median higher gross percentage of fibrous tissue (P < .001), reduced lobular density (P = .004), higher amount of lobular atrophy (P < .001), and lower incidence of cysts (P < .001), apocrine metaplasia (P < .001), calcifications (P < .001), columnar cell change (P = .002), and atypia (P = .003). Each additional month of AT was associated with a 2% decrease in the odds of having nonapocrine cysts (P = .02), a 5% decrease in the odds of having usual ductal hyperplasia (P = .007), and a 0.14% decrease in median lobular density (95% confidence interval, -0.18 to -0.05). CONCLUSIONS In this study, breast specimens from TM, particularly with a history of AT, had a higher proportion of fibrous tissue, fewer lobules, and a higher degree of lobular atrophy than cisgender females. Rare cases of atypia were not predicted by preoperative imaging or gross findings, supporting routine microscopic evaluation of these specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Wolters
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kimmie E Rabe
- Pathology Department, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lianne Siegel
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jessica Butts
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Current Practices in the Pathologic Assessment of Breast Tissue in Transmasculine Chest Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 2022; 150:516e-525e. [PMID: 35749739 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000009399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No guidelines exist regarding management of breast tissue for transmasculine and gender-nonconforming individuals. This study aims to investigate the experiences and practices regarding perioperative breast cancer risk management among the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) surgeons performing chest masculinization surgery. METHODS An anonymous online 19 question survey was sent to 2517 US-based ASPS members in October 2019. RESULTS A total of 69 responses were analyzed. High volume surgeons were more likely from academic centers (OR 4.88 CI 1.67 - 15.22; p=0.005). Age ≥40 (85.5%, n=59) and family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives (68.1%, n=47) or family with a diagnosis before age 40 (71.0%, n=49) were the most common indications for preoperative imaging. 27.5% (n=19) of the respondents routinely excise all macroscopic breast tissue, with 30.4% (n=21) routinely leaving breast tissue. 73.9% (n=51) of respondents routinely send specimens to pathology. There was no significant correlation between surgical volume or type of practice and odds of sending specimens to pathology. High patient costs and patient reluctance (39.1%, n=27, and 35.3%, n=24, respectively) were the most often cited barriers for sending specimens to pathology. 8.7% (n=6) of respondents have found malignant or premalignant lesions in masculinizing breast specimens. CONCLUSION Large variation was found among surgeons' perioperative management of chest masculinizing surgery patients regarding preoperative cancer screening, pathologic assessment of resected tissue, and postoperative cancer surveillance. Standardization of care and further studies are needed to document risk, incidence, and prevalence of breast cancer in the transmasculine population before and after surgery.
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Kim CF, Jou D, Ganor O, Boskey ER, Kozakewich H, Vargas SO. Prostatic metaplasia and pilar differentiation in gender-affirming mastectomy specimens. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:386-395. [PMID: 34689157 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00951-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing practice of gender-affirming mastectomy as a therapeutic procedure in the setting of gender dysphoria, there has come a profusion of literature on the pathologic findings within these specimens. Findings reported in over 1500 patients have not included either prostatic metaplasia or pilar metaplasia of breast epithelium. We encountered both of these findings in the course of routine surgical pathology practice and therefore aimed to analyze these index cases together with a retrospective cohort to determine the prevalence, anatomic distribution, pathologic features, and associated clinical findings of prostatic metaplasia and pilar metaplasia in the setting of gender-affirming mastectomy. In addition to the 2 index cases, 20 additional archival gender-affirming mastectomy specimens were studied. Before mastectomies, all but 1 patient received testosterone cypionate, 6/22 patients received norethindrone, and 21/22 practiced breast binding. Prostatic metaplasia, characterized by glandular proliferation along the basal layer of epithelium in breast ducts, and in one case, within lobules, was seen in 18/22 specimens; 4/22 showed pilar metaplasia, consisting of hair shafts located within breast ducts, associated with squamoid metaplasia resembling hair matriceal differentiation. By immunohistochemistry, prostatic metaplasia was positive for PSA in 16/20 cases and positive for NKX3.1 in 15/20 cases. Forty-three reduction mammoplasty control cases showed no pilar metaplasia and no definite prostatic metaplasia, with no PSA and NKX3.1 staining observed. We demonstrate that prostatic metaplasia and pilar metaplasia are strikingly common findings in specimens from female-assigned-at-birth transgender patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomy. Awareness of these novel entities in the breast is important, to distinguish them from other breast epithelial proliferations and to facilitate accrual of follow-up data for better understanding their natural history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte F Kim
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine and Pavilion for Women at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Jou
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oren Ganor
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Boskey
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harry Kozakewich
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara O Vargas
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Schultz JJ, Naides AI, Bai D, Shulzhenko NO, Keith JD. Pathological Evaluation of Breast Specimens in Transgender Chest Masculinization: Incidental Findings and Effect of Prior Chest Binding and Androgen Therapy in 74 Consecutive Patients. Transgend Health 2022; 6:353-357. [PMID: 34993306 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The rate of masculinizing chest surgery for gender affirmation continues to increase. With a paucity of literature on pathological evaluation of breast specimens in this patient population, there is a need for these data and for protocols on the handling of these specimens. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed between 2015 and 2020 on all patients who underwent chest masculinization surgery for gender dysphoria by the senior author (J.D.K.). Inclusion criteria were any patient with sex assigned female at birth who underwent removal of breast and/or nipple areolar complex tissue for gender affirmation. Patient demographics were recorded. Bilateral breast tissue was sent for routine pathology in all cases and findings were recorded. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Seventy-four consecutive patients and 148 breast specimen reports were identified from a database and included in the study. The mean age was 26 years (15-49). Thirty-nine patients had a known history of chest wall binding and 60 patients had undergone preoperative androgen therapy. There was no invasive or in situ carcinoma found in any breast tissue specimens. Thirty-four patients had a benign lesion in one or both breast specimens. Atypical lobular hyperplasia was found in one patient's specimen. A history of chest wall binding was not correlated with any benign lesions (p=0.79) or stromal fibrosis (p=0.94). A history of testosterone use was not correlated with any benign lesions (p=0.35) or stromal fibrosis (p=0.20). Conclusions: The prevalence (1.4%) of significant breast pathology and of benign findings (46%) in our study closely correlates with the rates in the literature. We found no correlation between significant breast pathology or benign lesions and a history of chest wall binding or preoperative androgen therapy. We recommend all breast specimens removed during chest masculinization surgery be sent for pathological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerette J Schultz
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alexandra I Naides
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Di Bai
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nikita O Shulzhenko
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jonathan D Keith
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery, Livingston, New Jersey, USA
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14
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Andrews AR, Kakadekar A, Greene DN, Khalifa MA, Santiago V, Schmidt RL. Histologic Findings in Surgical Pathology Specimens From Individuals Taking Masculinizing Hormone Therapy for the Purpose of Gender Transition: A Systematic Scoping Review. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:766-779. [PMID: 34559874 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0774-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Transgender men and transmasculine persons experience a discordance between the female sex they were assigned at birth and their gender. They may choose to take hormone therapy and/or undergo surgery to masculinize the body. Understanding the common (and less common) histologic changes present in patients taking masculinizing hormones will empower pathologists to better serve this unique patient population. OBJECTIVE.— To summarize histologic findings in surgical pathology specimens from persons taking masculinizing hormones as a part of gender transition. DATA SOURCES.— A systematic review of the OVID Medline and PubMed databases was performed to identify all studies describing histologic findings in surgical pathology specimens from transgender men from January 1946 to January 2021. CONCLUSIONS.— Publication in this area has markedly increased in the last 2 decades. However, most of the studies identified were descriptive and case reports describing changes seen in specimens removed as a part of masculinizing surgical procedures. Benign histologic findings include stromal hyalinization and epithelial atrophy in the breast, polycystic ovarian syndrome-like changes in the ovary, and transitional cell metaplasia in the cervix. The most commonly reported neoplastic finding was adenocarcinoma of the breast, with rare cases of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal, pituitary, pancreatic, and cardiovascular neoplasia also reported. Ongoing research in this area is needed to better characterize the histologic findings in persons taking masculinizing hormones to provide a deeper understanding of the effect of these treatments on different tissues and facilitate better patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia R Andrews
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada (Andrews, Kakadekar)
| | - Archan Kakadekar
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada (Andrews, Kakadekar)
| | - Dina N Greene
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Laboratories, Seattle, Washington (Greene)
| | - Mahmoud A Khalifa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Khalifa, Santiago)
| | - Victor Santiago
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Khalifa, Santiago)
| | - Robert L Schmidt
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (Schmidt)
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15
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Incidence of Cancer and Premalignant Lesions in Surgical Specimens of Transgender Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 147:194-198. [PMID: 33370065 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000007452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-affirming surgery is becoming increasingly more common. Procedures including chest masculinization, breast augmentation, vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, and phalloplasty routinely generate discarded tissue. The incidence of finding an occult malignancy or premalignant lesion in specimens from gender-affirming surgery is unknown. The authors therefore conducted a retrospective review of all transgender patients at their institution who underwent gender-affirming surgery to determine the incidence of precancerous and malignant lesions found incidentally. METHODS A retrospective review of transgender patients who underwent gender-affirming surgery at the authors' institution between 2017 and 2018 performed by a single plastic surgeon and a single reconstructive urologic surgeon was conducted. Only transgender patients who underwent gender-affirming surgery that led to routine pathologic review of discarded tissue (mastectomy, vaginoplasty, vaginectomy as part of phalloplasty) were included. Charts were reviewed and patient demographics, duration of hormonal therapy, medical comorbidities, genetic risk factors for cancer, medications (including steroids or other immunosuppressants), pathology reports, and cancer management were recorded. RESULTS Between 2017 and 2018, 295 transgender patients underwent gender-affirming surgery that generated discarded tissue sent for pathologic evaluation. During this period, 193 bilateral mastectomies, 94 vaginoplasties with orchiectomies, and eight vaginectomies were performed; 6.4 percent of all patients had an atypical lesion found on routine pathologic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Gender-affirming surgery is increasingly more common given the increase in access to care. The authors' review of routine pathologic specimens generated from gender-affirming surgery yielded a 6.4 percent rate of finding atypical lesions requiring further evaluation. The authors advocate that all specimens be sent for pathologic evaluation.
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16
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Baker GM, Guzman-Arocho YD, Bret-Mounet VC, Torous VF, Schnitt SJ, Tobias AM, Bartlett RA, Fein-Zachary VJ, Collins LC, Wulf GM, Heng YJ. Testosterone therapy and breast histopathological features in transgender individuals. Mod Pathol 2021; 34:85-94. [PMID: 32939016 PMCID: PMC7854981 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-00675-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone therapy (TT) is administered to enhance masculinization in transgender individuals. The long-term effect of exogenous testosterone on breast tissues remains unclear. Our study evaluated the modulation of breast morphology by TT in transgender individuals with special attention to duration of TT. We reviewed 447 breast surgical specimens from gender affirming chest-contouring surgery, and compared histopathological findings including degree of lobular atrophy, and atypical and non-atypical proliferations between subjects who did (n = 367) and did not (n = 79) receive TT. TT for one patient was unknown. TT for >12 months was associated with seven histopathological features. Longer duration of TT was significantly associated with higher degrees of lobular atrophy (p < 0.001). This relationship remained significant after accounting for age at surgery, ethnicity, body mass index, and presurgical oophorectomy (adjusted p < 0.001). Four types of lesions were more likely to be absent in breast tissues exposed to longer durations of TT: cysts (median = 16.2 months; p < 0.01; adjusted p = 0.01), fibroadenoma (median = 14.8 months; p = 0.02; adjusted p = 0.07), pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (median = 17.0 months; p < 0.001; adjusted p < 0.001), and papillomas (median = 14.7 months; p = 0.04; adjusted p = 0.20). Columnar cell change and mild inflammation were also less likely to occur in subjects receiving TT (p < 0.05), but were not linked to the duration of TT. Atypia and ductal carcinoma in situ were detected in 11 subjects (2.5%) all of whom received TT ranging from 10.1 to 64.1 months. The incidental findings of high-risk lesions and carcinoma as well as the risk of cancer in residual breast tissue after chest-contouring surgery warrant the consideration of culturally sensitive routine breast cancer screening protocols for transgender men and masculine-centered gender nonconforming individuals. Long-term follow-up studies and molecular investigations are needed to understand the breast cancer risk of transgender individuals who receive TT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M Baker
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yaileen D Guzman-Arocho
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vanessa C Bret-Mounet
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vanda F Torous
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stuart J Schnitt
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute-Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam M Tobias
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard A Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valerie J Fein-Zachary
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura C Collins
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerburg M Wulf
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yujing J Heng
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Prince JCJ, Safer JD. Endocrine treatment of transgender individuals: current guidelines and strategies. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2020; 15:395-403. [PMID: 32990485 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2020.1825075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review summarizes gender affirming medical and surgical care available to transgender individuals, along with proposals to improve medically and culturally appropriate care. AREAS COVERED Transgender individuals are those whose gender identity differs from that recorded at birth (usually based on visualization of external sexual anatomy). In order to align the body with the patient's gender identity, clinicians can provide hormone therapy (HT) to bring sex hormone levels to the range associated with the patient's gender identity. At steady state, monitoring for maintenance of levels, as well as for known risks and complications, is required. Treating clinicians should have knowledge of trans assessment criteria, hormone therapy, surgical options, primary care, and mental health needs of transgender patients. A narrative literature review was conducted using Pubmed and EMBASE with articles then selected for relevance. The initial search terms were: androgen suppression, antiandrogen, breast development, chest reconstruction, cisgender, estrogen, fertility preservation, gender-affirming surgery, gender identity, gender incongruence, genital reconstruction, hormone replacement, hyperlipidemia, orchiectomy, prolactin, prostate atrophy, spermatogenesis, spironolactone, testosterone, thrombogenesis, transgender, and virilization. EXPERT OPINION Although guidelines exist and examples of training are available, systematic formal training must be implemented to truly mainstream high-quality gender-affirming health care .
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, NY, USA
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18
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Fledderus AC, Gout HA, Ogilvie AC, van Loenen DKG. Breast malignancy in female-to-male transsexuals: systematic review, case report, and recommendations for screening. Breast 2020; 53:92-100. [PMID: 32679529 PMCID: PMC7375644 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals may use testosterone therapy for masculinization, which potentially influences the risk of breast cancer development. Guided by our case report, we aimed to investigate the evidence regarding the risk of testosterone therapy on breast malignancy in female-to-male transsexuals and evaluate breast cancer screening in this subgroup. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search according to the PRISMA checklist in June 2020 in PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid/EMBASE. Reference lists of included articles were screened to find additional articles that met the inclusion criteria. All cohort studies and case reports evaluating breast cancer in FtM transsexuals after testosterone therapy were included. RESULTS We found 23 cases of FtM transsexuals who developed breast cancer after testosterone therapy, including our own case. Moreover, we evaluated ten retrospective cohort studies investigating breast malignancy in the transsexual population. The cohort studies showed no elevated risk in FtM transsexuals compared to natal women. Including our own case, nine cases were described in which breast malignancy was incidentally found during routine histological examination after mastectomy. High-level evidence for a correlation between testosterone therapy and breast malignancy is missing. CONCLUSION Few cases are described of FtM transsexuals with breast malignancy. However, cases such as these make physicians aware of the possibility of breast cancer in FtM transsexuals. Radiological screening of FtM transsexuals for breast cancer prior to mastectomy and histological screening of the mammalian tissue after mastectomy should be considered; physicians should decide together with every individual FtM transsexual if screening is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Fledderus
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - H Antoine Gout
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aernout C Ogilvie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Hospital, Jan Tooropstraat 164, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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19
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Hernandez A, Schwartz CJ, Warfield D, Thomas KM, Bluebond-Langner R, Ozerdem U, Darvishian F. Pathologic Evaluation of Breast Tissue From Transmasculine Individuals Undergoing Gender-Affirming Chest Masculinization. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2019; 144:888-893. [DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2019-0316-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Context.—
Bilateral mastectomy for chest masculinization is one of the gender-affirming procedures for transmasculine individuals.
Objective.—
To optimize gross handling protocols and assess histopathologic findings in transmasculine breast tissue specimens.
Design.—
We identified all gender-affirming mastectomies from 2015 to 2018. We sequentially identified reduction mammoplasty (RM) cases for macromastia from the same period as control. Significant findings were defined as atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia (ADH, ALH), ductal or lobular carcinoma in situ (DCIS, LCIS), or invasive carcinoma.
Results.—
Significant findings were present in 6 of 211 gender-affirming mastectomies (2.8%) as follows: ADH (n = 5) and LCIS together with ALH (n = 1). By comparison, 19 of 273 RM specimens (7%) yielded significant findings as follows: ALH (n = 11), ADH (n = 4), LCIS (n = 2), DCIS (n = 1), and invasive lobular carcinoma (n = 1). In the gender-affirming group, 142 transmen underwent androgen therapy before surgery, of whom 2 had significant pathologic findings. Thirty and 41 individuals had a family history of breast cancer in the gender-affirming and RM group, of whom 1 and 3 individuals had significant pathologic findings, respectively.
Conclusions.—
Our study demonstrates that we handle transmasculine mastectomy specimens by examining 2.8 times more slides on average than for RMs, with a 2.5 times lower rate of significant pathologic findings. Prior family history of breast cancer or the use of androgen therapy before surgery in gender-affirming individuals did not increase the risk of identifying significant breast lesions. We recommend submitting 4 tissue blocks per mastectomy for individuals undergoing gender-affirming breast surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Hernandez
- From the Department of Pathology (Dr Hernandez, Dr Schwartz, Ms Warfield, and Drs Thomas, Ozerdem, and Darvishian), Women's Health Pathology (Drs Hernandez and Darvishian), and the Department of Plastic Surgery (Dr Bluebond-Langner), NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Christopher J. Schwartz
- From the Department of Pathology (Dr Hernandez, Dr Schwartz, Ms Warfield, and Drs Thomas, Ozerdem, and Darvishian), Women's Health Pathology (Drs Hernandez and Darvishian), and the Department of Plastic Surgery (Dr Bluebond-Langner), NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Dana Warfield
- From the Department of Pathology (Dr Hernandez, Dr Schwartz, Ms Warfield, and Drs Thomas, Ozerdem, and Darvishian), Women's Health Pathology (Drs Hernandez and Darvishian), and the Department of Plastic Surgery (Dr Bluebond-Langner), NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Kristen M. Thomas
- From the Department of Pathology (Dr Hernandez, Dr Schwartz, Ms Warfield, and Drs Thomas, Ozerdem, and Darvishian), Women's Health Pathology (Drs Hernandez and Darvishian), and the Department of Plastic Surgery (Dr Bluebond-Langner), NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Rachel Bluebond-Langner
- From the Department of Pathology (Dr Hernandez, Dr Schwartz, Ms Warfield, and Drs Thomas, Ozerdem, and Darvishian), Women's Health Pathology (Drs Hernandez and Darvishian), and the Department of Plastic Surgery (Dr Bluebond-Langner), NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Ugur Ozerdem
- From the Department of Pathology (Dr Hernandez, Dr Schwartz, Ms Warfield, and Drs Thomas, Ozerdem, and Darvishian), Women's Health Pathology (Drs Hernandez and Darvishian), and the Department of Plastic Surgery (Dr Bluebond-Langner), NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Farbod Darvishian
- From the Department of Pathology (Dr Hernandez, Dr Schwartz, Ms Warfield, and Drs Thomas, Ozerdem, and Darvishian), Women's Health Pathology (Drs Hernandez and Darvishian), and the Department of Plastic Surgery (Dr Bluebond-Langner), NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
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20
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Abstract
Prescribing gender-affirming hormonal therapy in transgender men (TM) not only induces desirable physical effects but also benefits mental health. In TM, testosterone therapy is aimed at achieving cisgender male serum testosterone to induce virilization. Testosterone therapy is safe on the short term and middle term if adequate endocrinological follow-up is provided. Transgender medicine is not a strong part of the medical curriculum, although a large number of transgender persons will search for some kind of gender-affirming care. Because hormonal therapy has beneficial effects, all endocrinologists or hormone-prescribing physicians should be able to provide gender-affirming hormonal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Defreyne
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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21
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Testosterone and Breast Cancer in Transmen: Case Reports, Review of the Literature, and Clinical Observation. Clin Breast Cancer 2019; 19:e271-e275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Van Bockstal MR, Monstrey SJ, van Deurzen CHM. The role of routine histopathology after chest-contouring surgery in transmen. Eur J Surg Oncol 2018; 45:485-486. [PMID: 30528044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2018.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mieke R Van Bockstal
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stan J Monstrey
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Carolien H M van Deurzen
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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