Metastatic Carcinoid Tumor Presenting as a Breast Mass: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Carcinoid tumors are indolent neoplasms derived from the enterochromaffin cells which have a wide anatomic distribution. Most common primary sites include gastrointestinal tract and bronchopulmonary system. Despite their slow growing nature, carcinoid tumors possess metastatic potential, and breast is a rare but known site of metastasis. We report a case of breast metastasis from carcinoid tumor of the terminal ileum in a 53 year old woman who initially presented with a breast mass detected by screening mammography. A review of literature was performed for this rare presentation of breast as the initial site of detection of metastatic carcinoid tumor.