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Breast cancer-related upper-arm lymphedema is one of the most common postoperative complications of Breast cancer [Sisman et al. J BUON, 17(3):565–569, 2012], having an incidence of 20% [Suami and Chang, Plast Reconstr Surg 126:1853–1863, 2010; Mclaughlin et al. J Clin Oncol 26(32):5220–5226, 2008; Clark et al. QJM 98:343–348, 2005]. There are multiple possible reasons such as operation, radiotherapy, et al. [Yen et al. Ann Surg Oncol 16(4):979–988, 2009]. The most severe complications include paramorphia and dysfunction, which impair the quality of life of patients [Pusic et al. J Cancer Surviv 2012]. There has been no clear and effective cure method reported. In our research, we simultaneously performed breast reconstruction and treatment of breast cancer-related upper-arm lymphedema with Lymphatic TRAM/DIEP flap, modifying the method introduced by Dr. Corinne Becker [Becker et al. Ann Surg. 243:313–315, 2006] and Dr. Anne M. Saaristo [Saaristo et al. Ann Surg 255(3):468–473, 2012], and have been following up with mid-upper-arm circumference measurement, clinical symptoms, and lymphoscintigraphy, looking forward to making the effective evaluation of the method of breasts restoration, breast reconstruction and lymphatic transplantation aimed to treat upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.

ABSTRACT Secretory breast carcinoma (SBC) is a rare tumor that is particularly rare in male adults. To our knowledge, only 28 previous male cases of secretory breast carcinoma have been reported. We present a case of secretory breast carcinoma that has the longest duration of symptoms (40 years) in a male individual until now. Typically, the clinical features and treatment of male SBC are similar with female SBC. The ETV6–NTRK3 fusion gene is a specific genetic alteration in SBC. When compared to other types of male breast cancer, patients with male secretory breast cancer are much younger, and have a lower rate of estrogen/progesterone hormone receptor positivity. Modified radical mastectomy has been favored as a therapeutic approach in all female SBC, male SBC and other types of male breast cancer.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to introduce the key points about the transplantation of lower abdominal flap with vascularized lymph node and to evaluate the effect of breast restoration, breast reconstruction, and lymphatic transplantation to treat upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was based on the retrospective study on 10 cases of postmastectomy lymphedema during January 2008 to March 2011. All patients, aged 36 to 50 years, have had one-side upper-limb lymphedema for 3 to 5 years. Six patients had accepted radiotherapy. Four patients had a diagnosis of severe lymphedema, and 2 patients had moderate lymphedema. The isotope radiography before the operation showed obstruction of lymphatic return, and the multidetector computed tomography that followed delivered a clear picture of the abdominal flap blood supply and the blood vessels in the breasts. During the operation, the scar contracture of the axilla was completely relaxed, and all patients accepted abdominal transplantation of lower abdominal flap with vascularized lymph node. After the operation, the elastic bandages were applied for one year as an adjuvant therapy. The follow-up visits were conducted 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. The measurement indexes included mid-upper arm circumference, clinical symptoms, and lymphoscintigraphy. RESULTS All flaps worked well. One patient was found to have delayed wound healing; one patient saw no obvious improvement in lymphedema; 7 patients with lymphedema were relieved with apparent improvement in the affected limbs' mean perimeter and clinical symptoms; one patient recovered; and another patient was lost to follow-up. The mean reduction was 2.122±2.331 cm, and the reduction of the lymphedematous limb was statistically significant between the preoperative and 12-month postoperative groups (P

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is very rare in males. There have been only eight previous articles published on breast ACC in males. Here, we will report on the first case of this type of tumor in the Chinese province of Hainan. The patient was a 19-year-old male, and he underwent a radical mastectomy (RM) with axillary lymph node dissection. The histopathological examination specimen revealed that surgical margins were negative; none of the 41 axillary lymph nodes excised were positive for malignancy. The patient is alive and well 67 months after radical mastectomy. In the present study, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for male breast ACC based on previous English publications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12957-015-0442-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.