Small Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: A Report of 2 Cases and Literature Review

Abstract

Two female patients were diagnosed with primary small cell carcinoma of the breast that was estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Her-2 Neu negative. Diagnosis was made by ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. They both underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The first patient had negative sentinel lymph node biopsy and underwent postoperative whole breast radiation. She has remained disease-free. The second patient underwent preoperative radiation only, had one positive sentinel lymph node, and declined postoperative radiation. The second patient had metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes as well as recurrence. She was treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, but ultimately developed more diffuse metastasis. We discuss current literature regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in small cell carcinoma of the breast.