[Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast]

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast is a rare neoplasm, accounting for only 0.1% of all malignant breast tumours. It is more common in women in the sixth decade of their lives and often in the subareolar area. The clinical criteria is not specific and the radiographic examination showed a benign-appearing tumour. The preoperative diagnosis is possible with fine-needle aspiration cytology. The diagnosis is made by histological examination, presented a difficult differential diagnosis with cribriform carcinoma; so it is necessary to use histochemical or immunohistochemical techniques. The treatment is not well established. It consists of lumpectomy with radiation or mastectomy. Compared to other locations, adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast has a favorable prognosis. Lymph node involvement or distant metastases seldom occur. The aim of our study is to describe the epidemiological, clinicopathological characteristics, the treatment and the prognosis of this rare type of breast tumour.