Benign phyllodes tumour in a transgender woman receiving hormonal therapy

BMJ Case Rep. 2024 Mar 7;17(3):e258616. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258616.

Abstract

We present a case of a transwoman taking hormonal feminisation therapy for over 20 years, who underwent surgical excision of a benign phyllodes tumour of the breast. Hormones progesterone and oestrogen act on breast epithelium to increase proliferation. For ciswomen, endogenous and exogenous oestrogen exposure over a lifetime is associated with increased risk for certain benign and malignant breast pathologies. Transwomen taking hormonal therapy may also be at an increased risk of breast disease.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breast surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Estrogens / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phyllodes Tumor* / chemically induced
  • Phyllodes Tumor* / pathology
  • Phyllodes Tumor* / surgery
  • Transgender Persons*

Substances

  • Estrogens