Abstract
BackgroundPeritoneal dissemination associated with the postoperative recurrence of breast cancer is relatively low (3–6%). Although the prognosis of patients with peritoneal metastasis is generally short (7–26 months), we experienced a unique case in which complete remission was achieved for more than 6 years with endocrine therapy alone.Case presentationAn 81-year-old woman presented an upper abdominal tumor and loss of appetite. Computer tomography (CT) scan revealed a tumor in the duodenum and the head of pancreas, which malignant lymphoma was suspected. The exploratory laparotomy demonstrated a tumor located in the greater curvature of the pylorus to the transverse colon, and peritoneal dissemination. Because of the previous history of breast cancer 11 years ago and the immunopathological findings, recurrence of breast cancer was diagnosed. Lung metastasis was also detected postoperatively and the endocrine therapy using letrozole was introduced. After a year, CT scan confirmed complete remission from the metastasis. Two years later, tumor markers fell within the normal limit.ConclusionsA rare case of late-phase metachronous peritoneal metastasis of the breast cancer where complete remission was obtained by a single endocrine agent was presented.
Highlights
BackgroundPeritoneal metastasis of breast cancer is relatively rare (3–6%) [1, 2], and the prognosis is generally short (7–26 months) [3]
Peritoneal dissemination associated with the postoperative recurrence of breast cancer is relatively low (3–6%)
A rare case of late-phase metachronous peritoneal metastasis of the breast cancer where complete remission was obtained by a single endocrine agent was presented
Summary
Peritoneal metastasis of breast cancer is relatively rare (3–6%) [1, 2], and the prognosis is generally short (7–26 months) [3]. An elastic and hard tumor was palpated in the right hypochondriac region Other than hypertension, she had a history of left breast cancer 11 years ago. Specific immunostaining revealed results of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive staining of 80%, progesterone receptor (PgR)-negative, human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) of 0 These stainings were done at the time of relapse (Fig. 1). In consideration of the patient’s history and intra-abdominal search through radiological images, surgical exploration, and pathological finding, it was diagnosed as peritoneal metastasis of recurrence breast cancer. A whole-body evaluation was performed postoperatively, and pleural metastasis and pleural effusion were observed in the chest CT scan (Fig. 4). In the first year of endocrine therapy, recovery from pleural metastasis and pleural effusion could be confirmed by chest CT scan (Fig. 5). No relapse of the malignancy was evident and the patient is still alive on the same medication
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