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Metaplastic carcinoma in an ectopic breast.
Manuel Caceres1, Jennifer Shih, Michelle Eckert
1Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|April 18, 2002
Summary
This case report details a rare metaplastic carcinoma in ectopic breast tissue presenting as a chest wall mass. The patient achieved disease-free survival after surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Metaplastic carcinoma is a rare breast malignancy.
- Ectopic breast tissue can develop in various locations, including the chest wall.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing, painless, purplish chest wall mass.
- Imaging revealed a necrotic mass with potential muscle invasion.
- Pathology confirmed metaplastic carcinoma distinct from anatomic breast tissue.
Findings:
- Surgical excision achieved clear margins.
- Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered due to high-grade features.
- The patient remained disease-free for 26 months post-treatment.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of metaplastic carcinoma arising in ectopic breast tissue.
- Highlights the importance of considering ectopic breast tissue in chest wall masses.
- Contributes to understanding rare breast cancer presentations and management.