Duodenal and Biliary Obstruction due to Extrinsic Compression by Recurrent Lobular Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Metastases to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) from breast carcinoma are rare, detected in approximately <5% of all breast cancer patients. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the most common histological type of breast cancer to metastasize to the GIT. We report a case of abdominal recurrence of ILC of the breast causing intra-abdominal contracture leading to extrinsic compression of the duodenum and periampullary biliary tree. Four years after the patient’s diagnosis of a left breast pT1c, pN2, cM0 invasive lobular breast cancer, she presented with liver function tests consistent with biliary obstruction, and there was concern for a periampullary malignancy. Definitive diagnosis was achieved at laparotomy. This case demonstrates the importance of considering metastatic breast cancer as a potential cause of GI symptoms and radiological abnormalities affecting any part of the GIT of women with a previous history of lobular breast cancer. This case also highlights the effectiveness of chemotherapy in improving the survival and quality of life of these patients. Early recognition of this scenario enables prompt initiation of systemic therapy and avoids unnecessary surgical treatment. Despite the rarity, such patients will be encountered in clinical practice given the high prevalence of breast cancer. Moreover, the fact that the presenting symptoms of GI metastasis from breast cancer are usually not specific to the origin and mimic a primary intestinal disorder, health-care professionals beyond oncologists, especially gastroenterologists and primary care physicians, should be aware of this entity.