Rapidly progressive metaplastic breast cancer: a case report from Latin America

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent oncological pathology today; however, it is a broad pathology with different presentations according to the histological and molecular type. Metaplastic triple negative breast cancer is rare and has an aggressive presentation. We present this case given the low frequency of cases. We also present our management and outcomes. We present the case of an 85-year-old patient with an ulcerated exophytic mass in the right breast with progressive growth. The initial study was a biopsy, which evidence a triple negative invasive ductal breast carcinoma. Additional studies were negative for metastasis. The initial treatment was a surgical procedure, since the patient rejects initial management with chemotherapy. The pathology of the surgical piece confirms a metaplastic triple negative breast cancer. The patient has an adequate postoperative clinical evolution. Later she is taken to radiotherapy. At 3-month follow-up, the patient had adequate response. We present this case to create awareness of this type of cancer. This type of cancer must be known and suspected when dealing with a patient with triple negative breast cancer in order to carry out timely treatment, mainly with surgical management.