Basaloid Carcinoma of the Breast Mimicking Cutaneous Basaloid Neoplasms

Abstract

Basaloid carcinoma of the breast (BCB) is a rare, triple-negative aggressive primary breast tumor that can closely mimic cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC), neuroendocrine tumors, adnexal neoplasms, and other primary breast tumors. Accurate diagnosis of this tumor is critical for appropriate clinical management. We add to the literature 2 female patients with BCB presenting with a nipple mass. Histopathologic findings from both patients showed dermal nests and cords of atypical basaloid cells with epidermal involvement, closely resembling cutaneous BCC. A panel of immunohistochemical stains, including the novel use of CK17, is essential for differentiating BCB from mimickers. BCB is a rare primary breast tumor that follows an aggressive clinical course and closely mimics many basaloid neoplasms, including cutaneous BCC clinicopathologically. Increased awareness of BCB among dermatologists and dermatopathologists is critical for accurate diagnosis and patient care.

Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Nipple in a Male Patient: A Particular Case Report

“…In our case, diagnosis was made mainly on the basis of histological findings; we have excluded a primary breast carcinoma because of the typical basaloid pattern of the neoplastic cells; moreover, the long‐time clinical history of this patient was consistent with a cutaneous low‐grade tumor. On the other hand, a basaloid histological type of breast carcinoma is not considered in WHO classification, although a unique case of basaloid carcinoma of the breast has been recently reported . Immunohistochemical tools seem to be not specific for differential diagnosis; for instance, most of the BCC are positive for BerEP4 antibody; however, this marker is shared in many other tumors.…”