Matrix-Producing Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report

Abstract

Matrix-producing breast cancer (MPC) is a subtype of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast. It is a very rare tumor, which constitutes less than 1% of all malignant mammary tumors. The origin of this tumor is still unclear: there are molecular studies that suggest an origin from myoepithelial cells, whereas other studies underline the neoplastic transformation of a multipotent stem cell. Even the differential diagnosis of MPC and other breast neoplasms (phyllodes tumors and real sarcomas of the breast) is not always easy. In the literature, a certain chemoresistance has been demonstrated, and a standard treatment of this tumor does not exist at this time. We report the case of a 44-year-old, premenopausal, female patient with a 6-cm breast lump. Neither imaging nor fine needle aspiration biopsy was crucial in achieving a diagnosis. The patient underwent a simple mastectomy. In consideration of the negative lymph node status, the patient was not subjected to radiotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, since the receptor status was negative, hormone therapy was not necessary. The patient has been disease free for 4 years now.

Matrix-producing metaplastic breast carcinoma – a rare tumor with heterologous elements

“…Clinically and mammographically they resemble IDC which are firm-to-hard, nodular, and circumscribed. In majority, diagnosis is difficult on cytology/biopsy due to varied tumor presentation [ 1 ]. Histological examination of the excised tissue helps in distinguishing true chondrosarcoma of the breast and MPC to yield a differential diagnosis.…”

“…MPC rarely metastasize via the lymphatic system and prefer the hematogenous route [ 1 ]. Lymph nodes in our patient were disease-free.…”

“…Metaplastic breast carcinomas (MBC) are very rare infiltrating ductal carcinomas (IDC) that undergo metaplasia into non-glandular growth patterns. They account for <1% of all invasive BC, have a poor prognosis and high incidence of recurrence [ 1 ]. Matrix-producing carcinomas (MPC) are a very rare subtype of MBC with a better prognosis and comprise <0.1% of invasive BC.…”

Metaplastic breast cancer with rapidly progressive recurrence in a young woman: case report and review of the literature

“…The mean age of MpBC patients is about 50 years of age [7, 15–17]. In most studied cases a diagnosis may not be achieved by use of core needle biopsies, and histological examination of the surgical specimen allows for the definitive diagnosis of MpBC [9, 18, 19]. There is no standard treatment regimen specific for MpBC, which is characterized by a poor prognosis.…”

“…However, new chemotherapeutic drugs should be considered when treating metaplastic subtypes to overcome resistance to cytotoxic agents. In addition to MpBC chemoresistance, most of them are hormone receptor negative and hormone therapy is unnecessary [18, 21, 24, 29]. …”