Rare variant of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: a case report and review of the literature

J Med Case Rep. 2018 Feb 21;12(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s13256-017-1553-3.

Abstract

Background: Metaplastic carcinoma encompasses a group of neoplasms characterized by differentiation of the neoplastic epithelium into squamous cells and/or mesenchymal-looking elements. Spindle cell carcinoma is a rare variant of this special histological type. Its prognosis remains poor, with a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis. To date, only a small number of cases have been described. There is no clear agreement on this histological subtype.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 53-year-old Moroccan woman who consulted our institution following palpation of a nodule of the left breast. Mammography in combination with breast ultrasonography revealed a lesion classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 with microcalcification. The patient was diagnosed with spindle cell carcinoma of the breast. The diagnosis was based primarily on histological and immunohistochemical studies of the breast biopsy and secondarily on the surgical specimen. No local or distant metastasis was found. The treatment used was total surgical excision followed by radiotherapy.

Conclusions: We describe the features (epidemiological, clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and therapeutic outcomes) of our patient's case and compare them with literature data.

Keywords: Breast; Metaplastic variant carcinoma; Spindle cell carcinoma; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast / surgery
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Metaplasia
  • Middle Aged
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary / methods