A Clinical Observation of Thymic Epithelial Tumor Metastatic to Breast

Breast Care (Basel). 2018 Apr;13(2):136-139. doi: 10.1159/000486028. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

Abstract

Background: Thymic carcinoma is prone to early metastasis and invasion, while its metastasis to the breast is particularly unique.

Case report: We describe a case of thymic epithelial tumor metastatic to the breast fulfilling clinical diagnostic criteria. A 47-year-old female patient diagnosed with stage IV thymic carcinoma and previously treated with chemoradiation was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer during a periodic review. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed a low-echo real occupancy in the breast. Pathological examination of the breast mass confirmed the diagnosis of thymic carcinoma metastasis.

Conclusion: Hematogenous metastasis of thymic carcinoma to the breast is rare but not exceptional, and long-term survival can be expected with appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Hematogenous metastasis; Metastatic breast cancer; Thymic carcinoma.