Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Breast: Fact or Fiction? A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Abstract

<jats:p> Introduction. Previously considered an exceedingly rare entity, sebaceous carcinoma of the breast is now regarded in the World Health Organization 2019 classification as a “special histopathological pattern” of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. Case Description. In this article, we report the case of a fine needle aspiration cytology and the histopathological features of a breast carcinoma with clear-cut morphological features suggesting sebaceous differentiation, but showing no positive staining with the anti-adipophilin antibody. Conclusions. A morphologically clear-cut sebaceous differentiation is not invariably associated with adipophilin positivity; moreover, in breast carcinoma, adipophilin positivity does not automatically imply sebaceous differentiation. At present, immunomorphological evidence for the recognition of sebaceous carcinoma as a “special type” breast carcinoma subtype is too weak. </jats:p>

Cytomorphological features of sebaceous carcinoma of the breast

“…When the yellowish clusters were observed at high magnification and shifted out of focus, sebaceous differentiation of tumor cells could be recognized. As in previous reports, we also found some individual cells exhibiting sebaceous differentiation 5–8 . However, it was relatively easy to identify the differentiated sebaceous cells by focusing on the yellowish clusters.…”

“…As in previous reports, we also found some individual cells exhibiting sebaceous differentiation. [5][6][7][8] However, it was relatively easy to identify the differentiated sebaceous cells by focusing on the yellowish clusters. This finding reflects the advantage of using Papanicolaou-stained specimens, as it is probably difficult to make such an observation with Giemsa staining.…”

“…Because of its extremely rare histological features, there are few case reports highlighting its cytological findings. [5][6][7][8] In this case report, we describe the cytomorphological features of sebaceous carcinoma of the breast in detail.…”

“…In this rare pattern of IBC‐NST, prominent sebaceous differentiation is present. Because of its extremely rare histological features, there are few case reports highlighting its cytological findings 5–8 …”

Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Wrist in an Elderly Woman: A Case Report

“…Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma frequently arises from the skin of the head and neck, corresponding to the density of sebaceous glands [ 1 , 2 ]. Though uncommon, cases like the one we report here have been reported in additional anatomical locations, including the trunk, genitals, extremities, and breast [ 6 - 8 ].…”