Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast in association with Zuska’s disease

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in the UK with well-defined algorithms of management in place in the western world. Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare entity and as such knowledge about the pathophysiology, treatment and prognosis are still uncertain. The report describes an unusual case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in an area of Zuska's disease of the breast. It illustrates the heterogeneity of the imaging findings with review of the literature. Decisions on management should be taken on an individual basis with full discussion in the multidisciplinary team meetings where all facets of the case are considered.

Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma: Update on Histopathology and Molecular Alterations

“…3,11 The etiology of metaplastic SCC is unknown; however, studies suggest that these neoplasms may arise from metaplastic squamous epithelium. 11,12 Metaplastic SCC should be suspected when atypical squamous epithelium is adjacent to atypical ductal epithelium. 3 Histologically, metaplastic SCC is composed predominantly of cells with squamous differentiation.…”

“…As discussed below, immunostaining plays an important role in the differential diagnosis. 3,12 While the cell of origin of metaplastic carcinoma remains unknown, some investigators have argued that this particular variant may originate from myoepithelial cells, as spindle cell carcinomas are frequently positive for at least 1 myoepithelial marker such as p63, smooth muscle actin, and CD10. 14,16 Carcinoma With Mesenchymal Differentiation These aggressive tumors are composed of an admixture of differentiated mesenchymal components, including chondroid, osseous, rhabdomyoid, and rarely neuroglial elements.…”

Understanding the histogenesis of a HRAS‐PIK3R1 co‐driven metastatic metaplastic breast carcinoma associated with squamous metaplasia of lactiferous ducts

“…SMOLD can develop in papillomas and reparative epithelium of ducts at healing biopsy sites. Papillomas can undergo extensive SMOLD that can evolve into SCC, and MBCs can arise in complex sclerosing papillomatosis with squamous metaplasia . The abundance of SCC at the core of the primary tumor bed also supports SMOLD as the precursor lesion.…”

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: a case report

“…It has been reported to develop in patients undergoing breast implant augmentation [ 6 , 7 ]. Additionally, there are reports suggesting a possible association between SCC of the breast and Zuska's disease [ 8 ]. SCC of the breast has been discovered in females aged 29–90 years, with no reported instances in males [ 9 ].…”