Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: A Rare Breast Cancer Subtype - Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Glycogen-rich clear cell breast carcinoma is a rare histological breast cancer subtype. Its prognosis may vary depending on specific clinical and pathological characteristics such as low grade, strong positivity of estrogen receptor (ER) expression and early diagnosis. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with a bleeding 10-cm-diameter mass in the left breast. The histological examination showed a poorly differentiated tumor with malignant cells characterized by abundant clear cytoplasm. The diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma was based on the histological characteristics of the tumor, and a nonmammary origin was initially ruled out. The tumor was triple negative [i.e. ER, progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 negative]. Four months after the initial locoregional treatment, the patient developed lung and distant lymph node metastases. Conclusions: Glycogen-rich clear cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare tumor. Early diagnosis, absence of lymph node metastases and ER/PR positivity are associated with a better prognosis, as in other common breast cancer subtypes.

Glycogen rich clear cell carcinoma of the breast: a rare subtype with good prognosis

“…The predicted five and ten-year breast cancer-specific survival is 86% and 73% respectively [12]. In our opinion the prognosis of GRCC of breast depend on the stage matched basis if it compared with another invasive ductal carcinoma [5].…”

“…Despite few reported cases the prognosis for patients with GRCC is relatively unclear. However, tumor staging with hormones markers [progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER)] and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) status play an important role in prognosis [5]. The present work reports a case of GRCC with axillary lymph node involvement with 5-year successful outcome.…”

Malignant Clear Cell Hidradenoma of the Breast

“…Distant metastases are indicative of poor prognosis [8-9]. There are several other tumors with clear cell characteristics which can occur in the breast, including renal cell carcinoma, making it crucial to distinguish between a primary breast lesion and a breast metastasis [4]. …”

“…The rarity of the tumor, inconsistent nomenclature and histologic similarities with other tumors creates a diagnostic challenge [2,4]. It is important to consider clear cell hidradenomas and other sweat gland tumors when there are representative radiologic and histologic features.…”

“…Accounting for all clear cell carcinomas, that makeup just 1.4% to 3% of all breast tumors. Clear cell hidradenocarcinoma originating from the breast is exceedingly rare with only a few reported cases in the literature [4-5]. The written consent was given by the patient.…”