Clinicopathologic Features and Outcomes of Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma: Comparison with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast

Abstract

PurposeMetaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is rare. Its clinicopathologic features and prognosis are uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes in comparison with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).Materials and MethodsWe reviewed the data of 29 patients with MBC and 4,851 patients with IDC, who received surgery at Yonsei University Severance Hospital between 1980 and 2008. Various clinicopathologic features, recurrence free, and overall survival were investigated and compared to each other.ResultsStage IV cases at diagnosis were more common in MBC (10.3%) than in IDC (0.9%). The incidence rates of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) were significantly higher in MBC (84.0%) than in IDC (20.1%). Larger tumors (>2 cm) and lower tendency of axillary metastasis were frequently observed in MBC. Only one of 24 preoperative core needle biopsies (CNB) correctly diagnosed MBC. There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups.ConclusionMBC was characterized by a higher incidence of TNBC, larger tumor size, and lower tendency of axillary metastasis, and was difficult to diagnose with CNB. Although the incidence of stage IV disease at diagnosis was higher in MBC, the survival rates of stage I-III were comparable to those of IDC.

Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma: Case Series and Review of the Literature

“…Although a lesser tendency for axillary lymph node involvement and greater tumor diameter stage 4 disease at the time of diagnosis was not infrequently reported. Park et al reported an incidence 10.3% (Park et al, 2010) whereas others reported an incidence of 2.8-4.9% (Park et al, 2005;Son et al, 2006;Kim et al, 2007). In this case series, only 1 patient was presented with stage 4 disease (7.1%).…”

“…In another study reported DFS and OS was found to be higher (81% and 93% respectively) in 5 years of follow-up (Park et al, 2010). However, Al Sayed et al reported an event free survival and OS of 15% and 48%, respectively during 3 years of follow up (Al Sayed et al, 2006).…”

miR-139-5p is a regulator of metastatic pathways in breast cancer

“…Metaplastic carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by the presence of epithelial cells (spindle, squamous) with or without metaplastic elements such as bone, cartilage, and muscle. They are aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis (Park et al 2010). Medullary carcinoma is a controversial entity defined by Ridolfi and, despite the high grade, is said to have a good prognosis.…”

“…Although the adenoid cystic carcinoma, a proportion of apocrine carcinomas, atypical medullary, and metaplastic carcinomas can be classified as basal-like molecular subtypes, they differ in their morphology, aggressiveness, and prognosis (Yerushalmi et al 2009;Marchio et al 2010;Park et al 2010). Metaplastic carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by the presence of epithelial cells (spindle, squamous) with or without metaplastic elements such as bone, cartilage, and muscle.…”

Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast

“…24 In the literature, MCB is often contrasted with the more common breast tumor IDC. Both have similar features on mammogram, but they differ in many characteristics.…”