Unusual Case of Bilateral Breast Cancer: A Pure Encapsulated Papillary Breast Tumor of the Right Breast and a Contralateral Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Alberto Testori,Valentina Errico,Marco Alloisio,Emanuele Voulaz,Roberto Travaglini,Edoardo Bottoni,Stefano Meroni

doi:10.4236/abcr.2015.42004

Abstract

Background: Intracystic papillary breast cancer is a very rare tumor that occurs most frequently in elderly postmenopausal women. Aim: In this article we presented a case of a 66-year-old woman who underwent excisional biopsy due to a right breast mass. Case presentation: Histological examination revealed the “pure” encapsulated papillary breast carcinoma without coexisting in situ neoplasm and/or invasive carcinoma. This is a rare lesion of the breast that can clinically mimic breast benign mass with only local or regionally aggressive course. Conclusion: In order to avoid misdiagnosis, both the clinician and the breast radiologist should have the possibility of diagnosing this tumor. Intracystic papillary carcinoma of the breast associated with lymph node metastasis has rarely been reported, but the sentinel lymph node biopsy may be prudent in such cases, despite the non aggressive behavior.

Highlights

Intracystic papillary breast cancer is a ductal carcinoma of papillary variety surrounded by a fibrous capsule that
The prognosis is favorable for women presenting with axillary metastases [2]
The aim of this article is to present a case of unexpected bilateral breast cancer and to make breast radiologists and surgeons aware of the spread of the axillary tumor

Summary

Introduction

How to cite this paper: Testori, A., et al (2015) Unusual Case of Bilateral Breast Cancer: A Pure Encapsulated Papillary Breast Tumor of the Right Breast and a Contralateral Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It occurs most frequently in elderly postmenopausal women. It is a rare clinicopathological entity, and its in situ or invasive character is difficult to establish, on biopsy. Surgery and breast conservation are treatment options, depending on the size of the tumor. This tumor may be multifocal and can be as a “pure” form or associated with in situ neoplasms or invasive carcinomas. Rare and despite being a large and bulky tumor, invasive papillary cancer has an excellent prognosis [1] due to a high-grade hormonal response and uncommon axillary node metastases. The aim of this article is to present a case of unexpected bilateral breast cancer and to make breast radiologists and surgeons aware of the spread of the axillary tumor

Clinical Summary

Discussion

Conclusion