Adenoid cystic carcinoma intermingled with ductal carcinoma of the breast: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

IntroductionAdenoid cystic cancer of the breast is a rare condition, and even rarer are the cases where it is histologically mixed with other variants of cancer within a single lesion. In this report, one of the few cases of mixed adenoid cystic breast cancer intermingled with the infiltrating ductal variant is presented. A subsequent review of the relevant literature presents the existing experience in treating mixed breast cancers with adenoid cystic components with regard to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.Case presentationWe describe a case of mixed adenoid cystic cancer of the breast with infiltrating ductal carcinoma in a 67-year-old Caucasian woman who underwent mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy.ConclusionSurgery remains the cornerstone of treatment of these patients, and radiotherapy is administered when breast-conserving treatment is undertaken or a large tumor with affected lymph nodes is present. Hormonal treatment does not have a role, as estrogen receptors are always absent from both tumor components. Chemotherapy is nearly always administered on the basis of estrogen receptor and progesterone negativity and the more aggressive potential of the non-adenoid cystic component. The de-differentiation of an indolent type of cancer to a more aggressive one may affect the prognosis.

Male Breast Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

“…ER-, PR- and HER2-negative), according to previous studies and reports [13]. In this case, negative findings of ER and PR were observed, consistent with reported literature.…”

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Masquerading as a Breast Lump: A Case Report

“…A 90-100% 10-year survival rate is reported, and metastases to lymph-node and visceral organs is rare. [7,8] There is a paucity of literature on ACC breast due to the rarity of this disease with most studies being either case reports or cohorts. Geschickter first described adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast.…”

“…ACC has been reported to be found in conjunction with ipsilateral. [7] and contralateral breast cancer. An association with microglandular adenosis has also been reported.…”