Invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast with osteoclast-like giant cells and clear cell features: a case report of a novel finding and review of the literature

Abstract

BackgroundOsteoclast-like giant cells (OLGCs) are a rare histologic finding within a tumor of the breast. Although there has been discussion as to the pathogenesis and prognosis related to this finding, our understanding of its significance remains inconclusive. Clear cells are another unique histologic finding in breast tumors and are typically associated with tumors arising in other organs such as renal cell carcinoma.Case presentationThis is a case report of a 64-year-old female who presented with one tumor identified as invasive ductal carcinoma with a combination of OLGCs and clear cell features.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this combination of findings has not been previously described in the literature and therefore represents another morphologic manifestation of breast carcinoma. As patients are diagnosed earlier and live longer, a growing number of these rare variants may be recognized and provide opportunities to further our understanding of the associated molecular pathways which could contribute to the possibility of therapeutic intervention.

Pancreatic undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells is genetically similar to, but clinically distinct from, conventional ductal adenocarcinoma

“…Our study gives important new insights into the clinical and molecular features of UCOGC, a unique PDAC variant. Notably, since undifferentiated carcinomas with osteoclast-like giant cells can arise in other organs [18,19], our findings may have implications beyond the pancreas.…”

High Expression of DEPDC1 Promotes Malignant Phenotypes of Breast Cancer Cells and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients With Breast Cancer

“…However, over 30% of patients with breast carcinoma develop local invasion and distant metastasis during progression of their disease, leading to high mortality rate (3, 4). Unfortunately, The 5-years overall survival rate of breast cancer patients with metastasis is only ~10–18%, what's worse, incidence rate of breast cancer in young women is increasing and frequently metastatic (5, 6). Therefore, understanding the potential mechanisms associated with local invasion and distant metastasis has a critical significance in formulating treatment and early diagnosis.…”

Everolimus inhibits breast cancer cell growth through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

“…Breast cancer is epithelial malignant tumors occurred in the mammary gland that has become significant threat to women's physical and mental health ( 1 , 2 ). Clinical investigations have indicated that 5-year overall survival is poor, and breast carcinoma with young women is growing, whom is frequently metastatic ( 3 , 4 ). A review of the literature and a current multidisciplinary management guideline for breast cancer metastases has been summarized that provided therapeutic strategies to improve the progression-free survival ( 5 , 6 ).…”