[Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast]

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare tumor that presents an unique biologic behavior. Thus, it challenges the justification for routine axillary dissection and adjuvant therapy. Squamous cell carcinoma has several unique biologic characteristics; it is associated with a lower rate of lymph node metastasis and significant rate of distant metastasis without lymph node involvement. The diagnosis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast can only be established if the metastatic tumor origin can be excluded, the tumor is not attached to the skin and no other histological type of carcinoma is detected in the course of detailed histological examination. The authors present two cases from their own experience. One of them has preexisted fine needle aspiration cytology.