Correlation between sentinel lymph node biopsy and non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in patients with cN0 breast carcinoma: comparison of invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have suggested that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) can be avoided in women with cN0 breast cancer with 1-2 positive sentinel nodes (SLNs). However, these studies included only a few patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), so the validity of omitting ALDN in these patients remains controversial. This study compared the frequency of non-sentinel lymph nodes (non-SLNs) metastases in ILC and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). MATERIALS METHODS: Data relating to a total of 2583 patients with infiltrating breast carcinoma operated at our institution between 2012 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed: 2242 (86.8%) with IDC and 341 (13.2%) with ILC. We compared the incidence of metastasis to SLNs and non-SLNs between the ILC and IDC cohorts and examined factors that influenced non-SLNs metastasis. RESULTS: SLN biopsies were performed in 315 patients with ILC and 2018 patients with IDC. Metastases to the SLNs were found in 78/315 (24.8%) patients with ILC and in 460 (22.8%) patients with IDC (p = 0.31). The incidence of metastases to non-SLNs was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in ILC (52/78-66.7%) compared to IDC (207/460 - 45%). Multivariate analysis showed that ILC was the most influential predictive factor in predicting the presence of metastasis to non-SLNs. CONCLUSIONS: ILC cases have more non-SLNs metastases than IDC cases in SLN-positive patients. The ILC is essential for predicting non-SLN positivity in macro-metastases in the SLN. The option of omitting ALND in patients with ILC with 1-2 positive SLNs still requires further investigation.

Metastatic Infiltrating Lobular Breast Cancer to the Colon Diagnosed Through Routine Bowel Screening in a 67-Year-Old Female.

Breast cancer most commonly metastasizes to the bone, lung, liver, and brain. The colon is an uncommon site for metastases and its symptoms are variable. A 67-year-old female with a history of breast cancer was referred for colonoscopy following a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT); there were no discrete lesions concerning for primary colonic cancers or metastasis; however, a random biopsy revealed metastatic breast cancer. The possibility of colonic metastases must be considered when assessing positive FOBT in a patient with previous breast cancer.

Improving Invasive Breast Cancer Care Using Machine Learning Technology.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing an invasive form of breast cancer is 12.5% among women. BC arises in the lining cells (epithelium) of the ducts or lobules in the glandular tissue of the breast. The goal of the present study was to use machine learning (ML) as a novel technology to assess and compare the invasive forms of BC including, infiltrating ductal carcinoma, infiltrating lobular carcinoma, and mucinous carcinoma. To achieve this goal, we used ML algorithms and collected a dataset of 334 BC patients available at https://www.kaggle.com/amandam1/breastcancerdataset and interpreted this dataset based on the form of BC, age, sex, tumor stages, surgery type, and survival rate. Among the 334 patients, 70% were diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, 27% with infiltrating lobular carcinoma, and 3% with mucinous carcinoma. Overall, out of 334 BC patients: 64 (19.16%) were in stage I, 189 (56.59%) in stage II, and 81 (24.25%) in stage III. Sixty-six, 67, 96, and 105 patients underwent lumpectomy, simple mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, and other types of surgery, respectively. The survival rates were 83.4% for stage I, 79.1% for stage II, and 77% for stage III. Findings from the present study demonstrated that ML provides an important tool to curate large amount of BC data, as well as a scientific means to improve BC outcomes.

Clinical Characteristics and Survival Outcomes of Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study of 365 Cases in China.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics, clinicopathological factors and survival outcomes between infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) and infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) using our single-center database. METHODS: Seventeen thousand two hundred and three breast cancer patients were treated at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) from January 2000 to December 2017. We identified 365 cases with ILC and 16,838 cases with IDC. The Pearson chi-square test was used to compare tumor characteristics, and the Kaplan-Meier methods were used to perform the survival analysis. RESULTS: ILC had some distinctive characteristics from IDC such as older age (ranged from 61 to 80: ILC 26.8% vs IDC 19.9%, P < 0.001; over 80: ILC 1.6% vs IDC 0.8%, P < 0.001), larger tumor size (ranged from 2 to 5: ILC 45.2% vs IDC 37.1%, P = 0.011), much more hormone receptor expression (ILC 92.9% vs IDC 73.0%, P < 0.001), extremely less HER-2 expression (ILC 7.1% vs IDC 25.9%, P < 0.001). The overall survival and disease-free survival of ILC were worse than IDC (5-year OS, ILC 93.6% vs IDC 94.5%, P < 0.001; 5-year DFS, ILC 88.5% vs IDC 91.6%, P = 0.008). It was worth noting that the ILC patients had a worse overall survival than IDC patients after our propensity score matching study (P = 0.037). The univariate analysis concluded that positive HR (hormone receptor), high expression of Ki-67 and higher pathologic tumor stage were poor prognostic markers of ILC. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that tumor stage was a poor prognostic marker after adjustment for the effects of the above three factors. The most common primary site of metastasis was bone, but the proportion in the ILC group was much higher than that in the IDC group (56.25% vs 36.40%, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Compared with IDC, ILC survived worse and was more prone to bone metastasis. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of ILC and specific treatments are needed for further research.

Correlación ecográfica, mamográfica e histopatológica en el diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en Guantánamo, 2010-2015

RESUMEN Introducción: El cáncer de mama se conoce desde épocas remotas, el tumor de mama es la neoplasia maligna más importante en la mujer. Se considera la primera causa de muerte por cáncer en las mujeres en el mundo. Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación ecográfica, mamográfica e histopatológica del carcinoma de mama en la provincia de Guantánamo. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo en 140 pacientes durante el período de 2010 a 2015 en el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto" de Guantánamo. El dato primario se obtuvo del Registro Provincial de Cáncer con diagnóstico de tumor maligno de mama. Resultados: La mayor incidencia de la enfermedad se registró a partir de los 45 años (80 %), el promedio de edad del diagnóstico fue de 57 más menos 15 años. La mama izquierda tuvo una mayor frecuencia a verse afectada con respecto a la mama la derecha (53 % vs. 46 %), fue poco frecuente que ambas mamas se encontrasen afectadas de forma sincrónica (menos del 1 %). El 53 % presentó una lesión de aspecto espiculado en la mamografía, de aspecto sólido en la ecografía y correspondiente a un carcinoma ductal infiltrante por histología. Conclusiones: Existe correlación entre los diagnósticos ecográficos, mamográficos y el diagnóstico definitivo histopatológico del cáncer de mama.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Since ancient times, breast cancer has been studied. It is current the most important invasive neoplasm in women and considered the leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Objective: To assess the ultrasound, mammographic and histopathological correlation for the diagnosis of breast cancer in Guantanamo province. Method: An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted in 140 patients during the period 2010-2015 at the Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto" in Guantánamo. The primary information was obtained from the Provincial Registry Database of Cancer with the diagnosis of malignant breast tumor. Results: The highest incidence of the disease was recorded in patients 45 plus years of age (80%), the average age at diagnosis was 57 ± 15 years. The left breast was more frequently affected than the right breast (53% vs. 46%), it was not common for both breasts be affected synchronously (less than 1%). The 53% of patients presented a lesion with a speculated appearance on mammography, solid appearance on ultrasound. This lesion, as per histology criteria, it corresponded to an infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Conclusions: There is a correlation between ultrasound, mammographic diagnoses and the breast cancer related definitive histopathological diagnosis.

RESUMO Introdução: O câncer de mama é conhecido desde a antiguidade, sendo o tumor de mama a neoplasia maligna mais importante na mulher. É considerada a principal causa de morte por câncer em mulheres no mundo. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação ecográfica, mamográfica e histopatológica do carcinoma de mama na província de Guantánamo. Método: Estudo observacional, descritivo, retrospectivo, realizado em 140 pacientes durante o período de 2010 a 2015 no Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto" de Guantánamo. Os dados primários foram obtidos do Registro Provincial de Câncer com diagnóstico de tumor maligno de mama. Resultados: A maior incidência da doença foi registrada após 45 anos (80%), a média de idade do diagnóstico foi de 57 anos mais ou menos 15 anos. A mama esquerda teve maior frequência de acometimento em relação à mama direita (53% vs. 46%), sendo raro que ambas as mamas fossem acometidas de forma síncrona (menos de 1%). 53% apresentavam lesão com aspecto espiculado na mamografia, aspecto sólido na ultrassonografia e correspondendo a carcinoma ductal infiltrante pela histologia. Conclusões: Existe correlação entre os diagnósticos ultrassonográfico e mamográfico e o diagnóstico histopatológico definitivo de câncer de mama.

Impact of Histological Type and Grade on the Diagnostic Accuracy of Intraoperative Frozen Section for Detecting Breast Cancer Metastasis to Axillary Sentinel Lymph Nodes.

Introduction Intraoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) evaluation is the standard of care in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer. The most common histological subtype of breast carcinoma is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), followed by invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Alternatively, histological grades vary from grades G1 to G3. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of frozen section (FS) for detecting breast cancer metastasis to SLNs with respect to histological subtypes and grades. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Histopathology at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Pakistan, from January 2013 till December 2020, over a duration of eight years. A total of 540 cases of primary breast cancer, undergoing upfront breast surgery were included in the study. Intraoperatively, SLNs were identified and sent for FS. After FS reporting, the remaining tissue was submitted for final (paraffin) section examination after formalin fixation, and results of FS and final (paraffin) sections were compared. Results The mean age of the patients included in the study was 52.05±12.42 years, and the median number of SLNs was three (ranging from one to 14). The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative FS were 88.2%, 100%, 100%, 92.5%, and 95.2%, respectively. The sensitivity of FS for IDC was 88.3%, whereas it was 85.7% for ILC. Alternatively, the sensitivity of FS for grade G1, G2, and G3 tumors was 78.3%, 91.5%, and 90.2%, respectively. The false-negative rate for grade G1 tumors was 21.7%, which was higher than G2 and G3 tumors (8.5% and 9.8%, respectively). Similarly, the false-negative rate for cases where the number of SLNs was more than three was only 5.4%, which was lower than cases with a single and two to three SLNs sent on FS (23.1 and 14.7%, respectively). Conclusion The sensitivity of intraoperative FS for detecting ILC metastasis to axillary SLNs was not substantially different from IDC; however, histological grade affects the sensitivity of FS diagnosis, with lower-grade tumors having low sensitivity. Moreover, increasing the number of SLNs sent intraoperatively on FS improves the sensitivity of FS for detecting breast cancer metastasis to axillary SLNs.

Synchronous and Metachronous Metastatic Breast Cancer, with Different Histology and Opposite Immunophenotype, Treated with Combination of Chemotherapy, Anti-Her2, and Endocrine Therapy: A Case Report.

In the case of our patient, the synergic action of endocrine therapy and chemotherapy plus dual anti-HER2 combination allowed a complete disease control. Therapy should be scheduled by considering the two cancers as individual entities. The approach to breast cancer is changing from being considered a singular disease to a multiform one, according to current research focused on biological markers such as HER2, ERs, and PRs, with important implications in clinical, prognostic, and therapeutic features.

Bilateral Metachronous Breast Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report.

The occurrence of bilateral breast cancer is rare. A second primary in the contralateral breast can either be synchronous or metachronous. Lobular carcinoma of the breast is known for its multicentricity and bilateral spread. The synchronous mixed pattern of carcinoma of the breast has also been reported in the same breast. The family history of breast carcinoma, estrogen receptor negativity, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positivity are risk factors for the development of contralateral breast malignancy. In metachronous, bilateral breast cancer (MBBC) usually a single histological variant is seen at different time periods. However, we report a rare case of MBBC in a 66-year-old female patient with positive family history who had infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) in the left breast followed by infiltrating ductal carcinoma in the right breast after a span of 2½ years, even after undergoing modified radical mastectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy followed by hormonal therapy for ILC of left breast.

Breast Cancer-Major changes in the American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition cancer staging manual.

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE The revision of the eighth edition of the primary tumor, lymph node, and metastasis (TNM) classification of the American Joint Commission of Cancer (AJCC) for breast cancer was determined by a multidisciplinary team of breast cancer experts. The panel recognized the need to incorporate biologic factors, such as tumor grade, proliferation rate, estrogen and progesterone receptor expression, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) expression, and gene expression prognostic panels into the staging system. AJCC levels of evidence and guidelines for all tumor types were followed as much as possible. The panel felt that, to maintain worldwide value, the tumor staging system should remain based on TNM anatomic factors. However, the recognition of the prognostic influence of grade, hormone receptor expression, and HER2 amplification mandated their inclusion into the staging system. The value of commercially available, gene-based assays was acknowledged and prognostic input added. Tumor biomarkers and low Oncotype DX recurrence scores can alter prognosis and stage. These updates are expected to provide additional precision and flexibility to the staging system and were based on the extent of published information and analysis of large, as yet unpublished databases. The eighth edition of the AJCC TNM staging system, thus, provides a flexible platform for prognostic classification based on traditional anatomic factors, which can be modified and enhanced using patient biomarkers and multifactorial prognostic panel data. The eighth edition remains the worldwide basis for breast cancer staging and will incorporate future online updates to remain timely and relevant. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:290-303. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Issues Affecting the Loco-regional and Systemic Management of Patients with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast.

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) of the breast is the second most common type of invasive breast carcinoma accounting for 8-14% of all breast cancers. Traditional management of ILC has followed similar paradigms as that for invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). However, ILC represents a pathologically, clinically and biologically unique variant of breast cancer with particular management challenges. These challenges are seen in both the loco-regional management of ILC; where ILC tumors tend to avoid detection and hence present as more clinically advanced and surgically challenging carcinomas, and the systemic management with a unique response pattern to standard systemic therapies. Because of these challenges, the outcome for patients with ILC has likely lagged behind the continued improvements seen in outcome for patients with IDC. Here, we discuss some of the unique challenges ILC presents and discuss possible management strategies to best overcome the difficulties in the loco-regional and systemic management of patients with ILC.

Concomitant endometrial and gallbladder metastasis in advanced multiple metastatic invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION: At time of presentation, fewer than 10% of patients have metastatic breast cancer. The most common sites of metastasis in order of frequency are bone, lung, pleura, soft tissue, and liver. Breast cancer metastasis to the uterus or gallbladder is rare and has infrequently been reported in the English literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 47 year old female with a recent history of thrombocytopenia presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Pelvic ultrasound revealed multiple uterine fibroids and endometrial curettings revealed cells consistent with lobular carcinoma of the breast. Breast examination revealed edema and induration of the lower half of the right breast. Biopsy of the right breast revealed invasive lobular carcinoma. Bone marrow aspiration obtained at a previous outpatient visit revealed extensive involvement by metastatic breast carcinoma. Shortly after discharge, the patient presented with acute cholecystitis and underwent cholecystectomy. Microscopic examination of the gallbladder revealed metastatic infiltrating lobular carcinoma. The final diagnosis was invasive lobular carcinoma of the right breast with metastasis to the bone marrow, endometrium, gallbladder, regional lymph nodes, and peritoneum. DISCUSSION: The growth pattern of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast is unique and poses a challenge in diagnosing the cancer at an early stage. Unlike other types of breast cancer, it tends to metastasize more to the peritoneum, ovary, and gastrointestinal tract. Metastasis to the endometrium or gallbladder is rare. CONCLUSION: Metastatic spread should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with invasive lobular breast carcinoma presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding or acute cholecystitis.

Clinicopathological characteristics of infiltrating lobular breast carcinoma in elderly women: Preliminary results.

This study was conducted to investigate the clinicopathological parameters in elderly women (aged >70 years) with infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) of the breast and compare the results with those obtained from younger patients (aged 55-70 years). The study sample included a total of 46 women with ILCs, 10 aged >70 and 36 aged 55-70 years. The parameters analysed were tumor size, histological grade (HG), axillary lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and immunohistochemical expression of estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors, Ki67, p53 and B cell lymphoma 2. Compared to women aged 55-70 years, ILCs in women aged >70 years were commonly of larger size (P=0.068) and were more frequently HG3 (P=0.024). There were no statistically significant differences in the other parameters analysed. Furthermore, we were unable to determine differences in cancer recurrence and mortality in the two patient subgroups during our follow-up. In conclusion, our preliminary results, based on the limited number of cases included in this study, indicate that i) ILCs in women aged >70 years tended to be larger compared to those in women aged 55-70 years and were more frequently of grade 3; and ii) there were no significant differences in terms of recurrence and mortality between the two patient subgroups during our follow-up.

Lesión del músculo pectoral por carcinoma lobulillar infiltrante / Pectoralis major muscle injure caused by infiltrating lobular carcinoma

Se presenta una paciente femenina de 69 años de edad, quien acudió en varias ocasiones al consultorio del médico de familia por notar aumento de volumen en la mama izquierda, considerado como resultado del efecto adverso a la ingestión de espironolactona. Se suspende el medicamento sin mejoría clínica. Se indicó ultrasonido de mama y se informa imagen de aspecto tumoral debajo del tejido mamario, que impresiona estar en relación con el músculo pectoral mayor; a esto se asocia una alteración del patrón mamario. Se realizó mamografía diagnóstica, se encuentra asimetría de volumen de la mama izquierda y una zona de aumento de la densidad cerca del pectoral, sin visualizar nódulo definido. Se realizó tomografía axial computarizada simple y contrastada. Se aprecia masa tumoral del músculo pectoral mayor izquierdo que infiltra tejido mamario y mediastino anterior, con diagnóstico imaginológico sugestivo de tumor del músculo pectoral mayor izquierdo. Se realizó biopsia por aguja fina de la lesión, guiada por ultrasonido y el diagnóstico fue carcinoma lobulillar infiltrante de mama. Se concluye que el comportamiento imaginológico puede estar relacionado con las pobres manifestaciones clínicas y, por tanto, con el diagnóstico tardío.

The case of 69 years-old woman, who went several times to the family physician's office because of the increased volume of her left breast, was presented. This problem was considered to result from the adverse effect of the spironolactone intake. The drug consumption ceased but there was no clinical improvement. Breast ultrasound test was indicated in which a tumor-like image below the breast tissue was observed; it seemed to be related to the major pectoralis muscle, additionally, there was altered breast pattern. Diagnostic mammography was performed, asymmetric volume of the left breast was found together with an increased density area located near the pectoralis, without viewing a defined nodule. Simple and contrast computerized tomography were also performed. It was observed that there was tumor mass in the left pectoralis major muscle infiltrating into the breast tissue and the anterior mediastinum, with imaging diagnosis suggestive of left pectoralis major muscle tumor. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy of the lesion was applied and the resulting diagnosis was infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast. It was concluded that the imaging result could be related to poor clinical manifestations and thus, to late diagnosis.

Lesión del músculo pectoral por carcinoma lobulillar infiltrante / Pectoralis major muscle injure caused by infiltrating lobular carcinoma

Se presenta una paciente femenina de 69 años de edad, quien acudió en varias ocasiones al consultorio del médico de familia por notar aumento de volumen en la mama izquierda, considerado como resultado del efecto adverso a la ingestión de espironolactona. Se suspende el medicamento sin mejoría clínica. Se indicó ultrasonido de mama y se informa imagen de aspecto tumoral debajo del tejido mamario, que impresiona estar en relación con el músculo pectoral mayor; a esto se asocia una alteración del patrón mamario. Se realizó mamografía diagnóstica, se encuentra asimetría de volumen de la mama izquierda y una zona de aumento de la densidad cerca del pectoral, sin visualizar nódulo definido. Se realizó tomografía axial computarizada simple y contrastada. Se aprecia masa tumoral del músculo pectoral mayor izquierdo que infiltra tejido mamario y mediastino anterior, con diagnóstico imaginológico sugestivo de tumor del músculo pectoral mayor izquierdo. Se realizó biopsia por aguja fina de la lesión, guiada por ultrasonido y el diagnóstico fue carcinoma lobulillar infiltrante de mama. Se concluye que el comportamiento imaginológico puede estar relacionado con las pobres manifestaciones clínicas y, por tanto, con el diagnóstico tardío(AU)

The case of 69 years-old woman, who went several times to the family physician's office because of the increased volume of her left breast, was presented. This problem was considered to result from the adverse effect of the spironolactone intake. The drug consumption ceased but there was no clinical improvement. Breast ultrasound test was indicated in which a tumor-like image below the breast tissue was observed; it seemed to be related to the major pectoralis muscle, additionally, there was altered breast pattern. Diagnostic mammography was performed, asymmetric volume of the left breast was found together with an increased density area located near the pectoralis, without viewing a defined nodule. Simple and contrast computerized tomography were also performed. It was observed that there was tumor mass in the left pectoralis major muscle infiltrating into the breast tissue and the anterior mediastinum, with imaging diagnosis suggestive of left pectoralis major muscle tumor. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy of the lesion was applied and the resulting diagnosis was infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast. It was concluded that the imaging result could be related to poor clinical manifestations and thus, to late diagnosis(AU)

The prognostic significance of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MCB)--a case controlled comparison study with infiltrating ductal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MCB) is a rare histological subtype of breast cancer with an incidence of less than 0.1%-0.5%. Due to its rarity, the clinical characteristics and prognostic significance of MCB compared with other common breast cancers (like infiltrating ductal carcinoma [IDC], and infiltrating lobular carcinoma [ILC]) are not clear, and controversial among different reports. METHODS: We performed a collective comparison study of multi-institutional cases to evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic status of MCB to compare with IDC and ILC. A case control analysis was performed to minimize the bias from clinicopathologic factors between IDC and MCB. Disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between groups were compared. RESULTS: Forty-five MCB patients were enrolled from the 4 medical centers and compared with 1777 IDC and 53 ILC patients from the CCH cancer registry database comprise the current study. Compared with IDC, MCB was associated with older age, larger tumor size, a lesser lymph node positive rate, a higher likelihood of distant metastasis, higher tumor grade, lower ER-positive tumor, and higher triple negative breast cancer subtype (TNBC). MCB was associated with worse OS (p = 0.031) than IDC, but no difference in DFS (p = 0.071); however, MCB was not statistically different from ILC in both DFS and OS (p = 0.289 and 0.132, respectively). Compared with the case-controlled IDC group, MCB patients had poorer OS (p = 0.040), but no difference in DFS (p = 0.439). CONCLUSION: MCB is associated with poorer OS than IDC, and this was related to tumor behavior rather than clinicopathologic factors.

Occult breast cancer during reduction mammoplasty: case report.

AIM: Breast carcinoma occurring in routine reduction mammaplasty is rare. MATERIAL OF STUDY: In our Breast Unit each patient eligible for any breast surgery is routinely evaluated by preoperative breast imaging. We reported the clinical case of a woman with an infiltrating lobular breast cancer detected during surgical reduction mammaplasty despite a negative preoperative bilateral mammography. RESULTS: The clinical case was discussed at multidisciplinary breast cancer meeting in order to evaluate the different therapeutic options. In conjunction with general surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and radiotherapists, and upon patient's ultimate decision, a conservative tumor approach was chosen: first-level axillary node dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonotherapy. DISCUSSION: The mean frequency of breast cancer detection during reduction mammaplasty ranges from 0.06% up to 4%. There are many possible treatment choices for these patients ranging from radical mastectomy to more conservative approaches dealing with lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy and radiation therapy alone. The therapeutical plan must be discussed by a multidisciplinary team and many tumors and patients characteristics should be evaluated in the decision making process. CONCLUSION: All patients selected for breast aesthetical surgery must be screened, during preoperative workup, for breast cancer. Combination of three diagnostic modalities increases sensitivity and reaches the diagnostic accuracy of 93.2%. The reported case stresses the importance of an oncological approach to breast surgery even in case of planned aesthetical procedures.

Infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast presenting as gastrointestinal obstruction: a mini review.

One in twelve American women will develop breast cancer, with infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) comprising approximately 15% of these cases. The incidence of ILC has been increasing over the last several decades. It has been hypothesized that this increase is associated with combined replacement hormonal therapy. Although pathologically distinct from infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC), ILC is treated in the same manner as IDC. However, ILC demonstrates significantly different patterns of late local recurrence and distant metastasis. The incidence of extra-hepatic gastrointestinal metastases is reported to be 6% to 18%, with stomach being most common. Herein, we present a brief review of the literature and a typical case involving ILC initially presenting as a small bowel obstruction. Evidence suggests that the late clinical patterns of ILC are distinctly separate from IDC and physicians need be cognizant of its late local recurrence and unique late metastatic pattern. Different follow up strategy should be entertained in patients with ILC.

Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast Comparison with an infiltrating ductal carcinoma

PURPOSE: Infiltrating lobular carcinomas (ILC) represent 5-10% of all breast cancers. Compared to infiltrating ductal carcinomas (IDC), ILC has a trend to be a more indistinct and multicentric form of cancer, thus, they are detected later and are less frequently treated using breast conserving surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the difference between ILC and IDC and the utility of using breast conserving surgery for ILC. METHODS: We studied 26 ILC and 319 IDC patients surgically treated at the Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center. Age, size of tumor, mammographic findings, operative method and pathologic findings were analysed retrospectively. For the microvessel count, tumor sections were immunohistochemically stained using CD31 monoclonal antibody, and microvessels were counted at 200 magnification in three separate fields selected from areas of highest vascularity. RESULTS: There were no differences between patients with ILC and IDC with respect to the mean age (45.4 and 47), the mean size of the tumors (2.59 cm and 2.63 cm), the malignant findings on mammography (13/15 (86.6%) and 203/237 (85.7%)(p=0.636)), and the number of breast conservaing surgeries (10/26 (38.5%) and 103/311 (33.1%)(p=0.361)). Axillary nodal metastasis was slightly more common in patients with ILC (15/25, 60%) than in those with IDC (141/284, 9.6%)(p=0.217) but there was no difference in TNM staging. More frequent estrogen receptor expression and less frequent P53 mutations were found in ILC than in IDC. Unlike IDC, there was no association between tumor microvessel density and pathologic stagings in ILC. CONCLUSION: ILC was found in patients of similar age, and the size was not different from that of IDC. The mammographic accuracy in diagnosing malignancy was about the same in ILCas in IDC. Breast conserving surgery can be performed in ILC patients at the same rate as in IDC patients. Microvessel density was not a prognostic factor in ILC patients.