Adenoid cystic carcinoma: A case of rare breast cancer

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare form of breast cancer accounting for 0.1%-1.0% of all mammary malignancies. It is characterized by an indolent clinical course and favorable prognosis, contrary to other breast cancers. Diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound play a pivotal role in the early detection and diagnosis of breast adenoid cystic carcinoma. Treatment may consist of lumpectomy and radiation therapy vs mastectomy alone. Even though rare, late disease recurrence and metastasis has been reported in the literature thus long-term surveillance is of utmost importance for these patients. We will review the literature and discuss the case of a 52-year-old female who presented with a palpable lump of the right breast, which was pathologically proven to be adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast.