Metastatic carcinoma of the breast: a cause of obstructive jaundice

Two cases of jaundice are reported that were secondary to obstruction of the common bile duct by metastatic carcinoma of the breast and relieved by pallieative surgery. In one case, obstructive jaundice was the first evidence of spread beyond regional lymph nodes, in the other patient it was a late manifestation of the disease. In patients with prior history of carcinoma of the breast, jaundice may be secondary to obstruction of the common bile duct, and, because it is amenable to palliation, this possibility should be investigated before concluding that extensive hepatic involvement is the cause of jaundice.