Skip to Main Content

Chapter 74: Unusual Breast Histologies

Judy C. Boughey; Lillian M. Erdahl

BACKGROUND

As our understanding of the biology of breast cancer evolves, we recognize that there are many different types of histologically distinct cancers. Breast cancer is ahead of many other solid organ malignancies in our understanding about different tumor biologies. We routinely differentiate breast cancers based on histology between invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. We also divide breast cancers into approximated subtypes based on their hormone receptor status (estrogen and progesterone) as well as HER-2/neu status.

There are some other breast histologies that are not as common as invasive ductal and invasive lobular carcinomas. All practitioners caring for patients with breast complaints should be aware of these unusual histologies and know how to identify them as well as where to look for guidance in treating them. Recognition of these unusual histologies will allow surgeons to recommend appropriate treatment. It will also aid in counseling patients regarding the prognosis based on the best information available.

This chapter includes unusual histologies which may be more challenging to recognize and manage partly because of their infrequent occurrence. The surgeon seeing patients with breast complaints should be familiar with these lesions in order to ensure the appropriate diagnostic evaluation and management. Accurate diagnosis is highly dependent on the availability of other specialists in the multidisciplinary team (pathologists, radiologists, medical oncologists) who can aid in the evaluation and treatment of patients with these unusual tumor types. Table 74-1 provides a summary of key facts and management of the histologies covered in this chapter.

TABLE 74-1

Unusual Breast Histologies

View Table||Download (.pdf)
TABLE 74-1

Unusual Breast Histologies
Unusual Histology Presentation Diagnosis Pathology/Molecular Biology Surgical Management Adjuvant Therapies
Atypical vascular lesion Postradiation therapy skin changes: papules, erythematous patches or bruising Punch or excisional biopsy

  • Lymphatic type: thin-walled clusters of ectatic vessels usually in upper dermis

  • Vascular type: irregular vessels with single-layer endothelium may be dilated or have atypia

 Biopsy and consider excision if suspicious or changing None
Angiosarcoma

  • Primary: palpable mass age 30–50

  • Secondary: rash after radiation therapy age 70s

  • Mammogram usually shows a mass.

  • Core biopsy for tissue diagnosis

 Spongy, hemorrhagic tumor with freely anastomosing vascular channels with atypical endothelium Secondary more likely to be high grade

  • Wide local excision with R0 resection; 3 cm margin if possible

  • Axillary staging not required

 Chemotherapy dependent on stage, new regimens being tested
Medullary carcinoma

  • Median age 50 years

  • Usually presents with >2 cm tumor, frequent axillary involvement

  • Mammogram usually shows a mass

  • Core biopsy for tissue diagnosis

 >75% syncytial growth pattern Often expresses HLA-DR and TP53 mutation; usually negative for ER, PR, HER-2/neu.

  • Breast-conserving therapy or mastectomy

  • Axillary staging with SLNB

  • Consider testing for BRCA

 Radiation and chemotherapy as indicated by stage and NCCN guidelines
Metaplastic breast cancer Presents as a palpable mass or indeterminate imaging finding; distant metastases 4.6–10%

  • Mammogram appearance is variable, further imaging may be indicated

  • Core biopsy for tissue ...

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.

This site uses cookies to provide, maintain and improve your experience. MH Privacy Center Close