Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast are malignant neoplasms composed of a mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal elements. They are rare with incidence of lesser than 1% of invasive breast carcinoma. The present case of metaplastic breast carcinoma in a 47-year-old lady is reported since it posed a diagnostic dilemma at histopathology and also highlights the importance of immunohistochemistry to rule out various differentials. Identification of this rare entity is of significance in view of the varied prognostic implication.

Keywords

• Histopathology
• immunohistochemistry
• metaplastic carcinoma