Anal metastasis from recurrent breast lobular carcinoma: a case report

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Mar 21;15(11):1388-90. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.1388.

Abstract

We report a case of isolated gastrointestinal metastasis from breast lobular carcinoma, which mimicked primary anal cancer. In July 2000, an 88-year-old woman presented with infiltrating lobular cancer (pT1/G2/N2). The patient received postoperative radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. Four years later, she presented with an anal polypoid lesion. The mass was removed for biopsy. Immunohistochemical staining suggested a breast origin. Radiotherapy was chosen for this patient, which resulted in complete regression of the lesion. The patient died 3 years after the first manifestation of gastrointestinal metastasis. According to the current literature, we consider the immunohistochemistry features that are essential to support the suspicion of gastrointestinal breast metastasis, and since we consider the gastrointestinal involvement as a sign of systemic disease, the therapy should be less aggressive and systemic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anus Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / pathology*
  • Polyploidy
  • Recurrence