Salivary gland-type mammary carcinoma arising in microglandular adenosis: A case report and clinicopathological review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Microglandular adenosis (MGA) is a rare benign proliferative lesion lacking a myoepithelial cell layer; 27% of all reported cases have progressed to invasive carcinoma. Salivary gland-type carcinomas of the breast are also uncommon, representing 2% of all breast cancers. This wide spectrum of neoplasms tends to be triple negative and generally has an excellent prognosis. Given the rarity of salivary gland-type carcinomas of the breast arising from MGA, there are few reports of these cases in literature. As such, there is uncertainty regarding their diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Presentation of case: We report the rare case of a 66-year-old woman who presented with a triple negative, invasive carcinoma with salivary gland-type features, arising from MGA. The patient underwent mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by Taxotere and Cyclophosphamide (TC) chemotherapy and 50 Gy in 25 fractions of radiation to her chest wall. We reviewed the available literature on salivary gland-type breast carcinomas arising from MGA.

Discussion: Despite the generally unfavourable characteristics associated with carcinoma arising in microglandular adenosis (MGACA), most patients with MGACA have favourable outcomes.

Conclusions: The findings of the present case and reviewed cases are consistent with the literature on MGA, atypical MGA (AMGA), and MGACA. Future study of this rare entity is warranted to establish a consensus surrounding its clinical significance and treatment methods.