Gastric Metastasis 5 Years after Primary Invasive Lobular Adenocarcinoma of the Breast

Abstract

Breast cancers metastasize most commonly to the bone, brain, liver, and lungs, but rarely to the gastrointestinal tract. Although metastatic breast carcinomas in the stomach can be confused with primary gastric cancers due to their nonspecific presentation and rare incidence, it is important to differentiate the two since the treatment is different. Clinical suspicion is imperative for a prompt endoscopic evaluation and a definitive diagnosis that will lead to appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the possibility of gastric metastasis of breast cancers, especially in those with a history of invasive lobular breast carcinoma and a new onset of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Endoscopy; Gastric malignancy; Gastric metastasis; Immunohistochemical staining.