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Gynecologic cancers metastatic to the breast
D H Moore1, D K Wilson, J A Hurteau
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|August 15, 1998
Summary
Gynecologic cancers can spread to the breast, presenting as a palpable mass. This rare metastasis, often from ovarian cancer, indicates widespread disease and a poor prognosis, advising against radical breast surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Breast Oncology
Background:
- Gynecologic cancers rarely metastasize to the breast.
- This phenomenon has significant diagnostic and prognostic implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a series of gynecologic cancers metastatic to the breast.
- To illustrate the diagnostic and prognostic implications of this rare event.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed gynecologic oncology database for cases of breast metastasis.
- Identified 10 women treated between 1978 and 1995.
- Collected data on presentation, evaluation, and treatment of primary and metastatic tumors.
Main Results:
- Ovarian cancer was the most common primary gynecologic malignancy (5/10 patients).
- 80% of patients presented with a palpable solitary breast mass, most commonly in the upper outer quadrant.
- 83% of patients died within 1 year of presentation, indicating a poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Breast metastasis in patients with a history of gynecologic cancer warrants suspicion.
- Breast metastasis signifies widespread disease and a poor prognosis.
- Radical breast surgery should be avoided in such cases.