Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma: A Case Series with Three Different Presentations

Abstract

Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma (MBC) is one among the rare types of breast carcinoma. MBC was recognised as a separate entity by World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020. According to WHO, metaplastic carcinoma is classified into six types based on the histology which includes: low grade adenosquamous carcinoma; fibromatosis like metaplastic carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; spindle cell carcinoma; carcinoma with heterologous mesenchymal differentiation; and mixed metaplastic carcinomas. This rare type of tumour shows both epithelial and/or mesenchymal elements within the same lesion. The management of these patients remains an enigma due to the rarity of the tumour and the treatment responses between patients following therapy. In the present case series, five cases of MBC and their follow-up have been described. All patients were females within the age group of 50-65 years. All five patients underwent modified radical mastectomy. Lymph node involvement was noted in one case. Among the five cases, two patients had adenosquamous carcinoma, two patients had metaplastic carcinoma with heterologous mesenchymal differentiation and one patient had mixed metaplastic carcinoma.

Keywords

• adenosquamous carcinoma
• prognosis
• triple negative breast carcinoma