No abstract

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of breast is a rare entity, with only case reports in literature. Histologically, these tumors are similar to small cell carcinoma of the lung with some evidence of ductal carcinoma-in-situ with areas of ductal, lobular, or papillary differentiation. Immunoreactivity for neuroendocrine markers is present in two thirds of cases, while 33-50% are positive for estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor. Her2/neu expression has not been reported in small cell carcinoma of the breast. Here we are presenting 53-year-old women with locally advanced primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of breast. We will discuss clinicopathological findings, treatment options, prognosis and review of the literature on primary small cell carcinoma of breast.

No abstract

The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is rising in US women; however its impact on breast cancer incidence, stage at presentation, response and treatment toxicity remains unknown. To address the impact of HIV infection and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the natural history of breast cancer we present two cases of breast cancer in HIV-infected women and also review the literature. A literature search was done on Medline using the key words HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and HAART therapy, restricted to English language. There were mostly case reports and one large series of 20 cases reported by Hurley et al. Data concerning the impact of HIV infection and HAART therapy regarding pathogenesis, stage at presentation, tumor type, response, and toxicity associated with treatment were reviewed. The literature review shows that the breast cancer incidence is either same or less in HIV-infected patients compared to the general population. However, the patients with HIV infection present with more advanced stage and aggressive disease, and they also have poor chemotherapy tolerance. The impact of HAART on breast cancer incidence in HIV-infected patients is still unclear.