Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast: Diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Approach in a Rare Subtype Case
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32635/2176-9745.RBC.2025v71n2.4981Keywords:
Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis, Chemotherapy, Adjuvant, Carci-noma, Adenosquamous, Mastectomy, Segmental, ImmunohistochemistryAbstract
Introduction: Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MCB) is a rare and aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the presence of two distinct cell types, typically epithelial and mesenchymal. Representing less than 1% of invasive breast cancers, it shares similarities with triple-ne-gative breast cancer but exhibits higher resistance to chemotherapy and a worse prognosis. Case report: 66-year-old female patient was referred after imaging abnormalities were detected. Mammography revealed a nodular lesion in the left breast, and ultrasound demonstrated cysts with suspicious characteristics. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy initially indicated “benign fibrocystic conditions.” However, following a lumpectomy and histopathological analysis, the diagnosis was confirmed as “adenosquamous metaplastic carcinoma” associated with “intraductal papillary carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ.” The patient underwent an additional surgery (quadrantectomy) to widen the surgical margins, and sentinel lymph node biopsy revealed no evidence of neoplastic in-volvement. The treatment included adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: This case report highlights the rarity of MCB and the complexity of its diagnosis and management. Multidisciplinary collaboration between oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons is critical for appro-priate treatment. Rigorous follow-up and adjuvant therapy are essential to improve the prognosis for these patients.
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