High Grade Encapsulated Papillary Carcinoma of Breast in a Young Female

Encapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC) is a special type of papillary breast lesion known to be of low and intermediate grade. But recent data suggests existence of such tumors with high nuclear grade and mitotic index rendering them aggressive with chances of recurrence and lymph node metastasis which may alter the management of this tumor. Here, we present a case of a high grade encapsulated papillary carcinoma in a 22-year female who had a history of painful swelling in the upper outer quadrant of right breast with tender lymph nodes in the lower axilla. The subsequent radiologic findings showed a solid mass with cystic component and the patient underwent wide local excision along with excision of lymph nodes. Microscopy revealed a high-grade encapsulated tumor with papillary features; and a diagnosis of high grade encapsulated papillary carcinoma was given.