Lobular Mammary Carcinoma Presenting as an Obstructing Rectal Mass

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women.
• Metastasis commonly affects bone, lungs, and brain.
• Gastrointestinal tract metastasis, particularly to the rectum, is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old woman presented with an obstructing rectal mass.
• Clinical and radiological features mimicked primary gastrointestinal tumors.
• The patient had a history of lobular mammary carcinoma.

Findings:

• The rectal mass was confirmed as metastatic lobular breast carcinoma.
• This presentation underscores the uncommon metastatic pattern of lobular breast cancer.
• Diagnostic confusion arises due to the similarity with primary rectal malignancies.

Implications:

• Increased awareness is crucial for diagnosing rare metastatic breast cancer presentations.
• Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• This case contributes to understanding the diverse metastatic potential of lobular breast cancer.