Breast carcinoma with osteoclastic giant cells: case report and review of the literature

Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2014 Mar 15;7(4):1788-91. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Breast carcinoma with osteoclastic giant cells (OGCs) are uncommon. Here, we report a 46-year-old woman with a painless lump in her left breast that has been proved clinically and radiographically. Microscopical examination showed OGCs accompanying invasive ductal carcinoma. Immunohistochemical assay revealed that OGCs derived from macrophages. Despite positive lymph node metastasis, the patient has been well without evidence of recurrence or metastasis one year after the operation. To date, the influence of OGCs on the prognosis of patients is still controversial. Our case may provide insights into further understanding beast carcinoma with OGCs.

Keywords: Breast carcinoma; immunohistochemistry; osteoclastic giant cells; prognosis; tumor metastasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammography
  • Mastectomy
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoclasts / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome