Primary intracystic squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Primary intracystic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast is an extremely rare entity and has a low incidence in comparison with other breast cancers. We report a rare case of primary intracystic SCC in a 45-year-old woman who presented with a cystic lump in the right breast. Cytological smears of the fluid aspirated from the breast tumor revealed malignant squamous cells dispersed in single and occasional groups along with numerous cyst macrophages, suggesting cystic SCC. Histological study of the mastectomy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of primary intracystic SCC. Although the presence of abundant foamy macrophages in the background of fine needle aspiration cytology smears of the breast suggest benign breast lesion, when associated with malignant squamous cells, these suggest cystic primary SCC or metastatic SCC. The primary SCC should not be confused with metaplastic change in other breast carcinomas.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast in a young female‐ A rare ailment

“…Most studies on SCC of the breast favor mastectomy instead of breast conservative surgery (BCS) as the efficacy and the safety of BCS for this entity are undetermined 23 . However, Teerthanath et al suggested that the patients treated with breast conservative surgery experience similar local control and survival outcomes to those treated with mastectomy 24 . Our patient underwent excision biopsy of the mass.…”

“…23 However, Teerthanath et al suggested that the patients treated with breast conservative surgery experience similar local control and survival outcomes to those treated with mastectomy. 24 Our patient underwent excision biopsy of the mass. As the patient opted out for further surgery and clear axilla with no metastasis on staging CT scan, axillary lymph node dissection and completion modified radical mastectomy were not performed.…”

Intracystic Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: A Challenging Diagnosis

“…Most patients with MBC and so patients with SCC, in reported series, have been treated with some form of mastectomy mainly because of the tumour size [ 3 ]. However, Teerthanath et al suggested that the patients treated with breast conservative surgery experience similar local control and survival outcomes to those treated with mastectomy [ 21 ]. The surgical approach in SCC should also take into account the low rate of axillary involvement at presentation so the sentinel node biopsy seems to be more appropriate than routine axillary dissection [ 8 ].…”

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: A cytological and histological correlation

“…Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast (PSCCB) is an uncommon disease, categorized under metaplastic breast carcinomas in the World Health Organization classification. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Origin is controversial. [1,7,9] Reported incidence of PSCCB is varying between 0.1% and lesser than 0.04% of all breast carcinomas.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Origin is controversial. [1,7,9] Reported incidence of PSCCB is varying between 0.1% and lesser than 0.04% of all breast carcinomas. [1,3,6] PSCCB is frequently reaches large size with rapid growth.…”