Adenoid cystic carcinoma of breast: clinicopathologic study of seven cases

Adenoid cystic carcinoma [ACC] of the breast is a rare type of tumor. Our objective was to determine the clinicopathologic features of breast ACC. We reviewed slides of breast ACC reported during 12 years. Seven cases were identified. Age ranged from 38 to 59 years [mean = 47 years]. Mean tumor size was 2.3 cm [range 1.2 to 4 cm]. Histologically, dominant cribriform pattern was seen in 4 cases, solid in 2 and tubular in one case. Mitotic figures ranged from 2 to 22/10 HPFs. Grades I and II were seen in 3 cases each while 1 was grade III. Post-surgical tamoxifen given in 3 cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2 and 1 case, respectively. Follow-up ranged from 12.5 - 138.5 months [mean = 61. 25 months]. One patient developed vertebral metastasis. Consistent with published data, this series indicated that ACC-breast has a good prognosis