Granular cell tumor of the breast in a male: A case report and literature review of ultra-rare breast masses in men

Abstract

Benign male breast masses present a clinically challenging entity given the vast differential diagnosis and lack of representation in medical literature. Unlike the female breast that contains ducts and stroma, the male breast primarily consists of fatty subcutaneous tissue. Gynecomastia and other common masses such as lipomas in men are well researched, whereas literature on rare benign masses tend to be absent from conventional discussion. This paper presents the case of a granular cell tumor in a young male patient as a rare differential diagnosis when presented with a male breast mass. The work-up, imaging, and treatment for some ultra-rare benign masses that may be encountered will be discussed. This will aid in providing a starting point and framework for clinicians to broaden the differential diagnosis for men presenting with a benign mass in the breast.