Fine-needle aspiration of a metaplastic breast carcinoma with extensive melanocytic differentiation: a case report

H Yen; B Florentine; L K Kelly; X Bu; J Crawford; S E Martin

doi:10.1002/1097-0339(200007)23:1<46::aid-dc11>3.0.co;2-f

Fine-needle aspiration of a metaplastic breast carcinoma with extensive melanocytic differentiation: a case report

Diagn Cytopathol. 2000 Jul;23(1):46-50. doi: 10.1002/1097-0339(200007)23:1<46::aid-dc11>3.0.co;2-f.

Authors

H Yen¹, B Florentine, L K Kelly, X Bu, J Crawford, S E Martin

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pathology, Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Healthcare Network, University of Southern California School of Medicine, 90033, USA.

PMID: 10907933
DOI: 10.1002/1097-0339(200007)23:1<46::aid-dc11>3.0.co;2-f

Abstract

Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast are uncommon breast tumors with aberrant cellular differentiation, most commonly showing ductal, squamous, and mesenchymal components. A breast carcinoma composed of both epithelial and melanocytic differentiation is rare, with only four previously reported cases in the literature. We present the fifth reported case, where the diagnosis was suggested by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and later confirmed after the surgical specimen was excised. Histologically, this neoplasm revealed multidirectional differentiation, consisting primarily of squamous and melanocytic cell types, with focal glandular and osseous metaplasia. Based on the morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings, we conclude that such tumors fall within the spectrum of metaplastic carcinomas of the breast. We believe that this case will further contribute to the understanding of this enigmatic tumor.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Antigens, Neoplasm
Biopsy, Needle
Breast / chemistry
Breast / pathology
Breast / ultrastructure
Breast Neoplasms / chemistry
Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
Breast Neoplasms / surgery
Carcinoma, Adenosquamous / chemistry
Carcinoma, Adenosquamous / diagnosis
Carcinoma, Adenosquamous / pathology*
Carcinoma, Adenosquamous / surgery
Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / chemistry
Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / diagnosis
Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology*
Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / surgery
Cell Differentiation
Female
Humans
Immunohistochemistry / methods
Lymphatic Metastasis
Mastectomy, Modified Radical
Melanocytes / chemistry
Melanocytes / cytology
Melanoma / diagnosis
Melanoma / pathology
Melanoma-Specific Antigens
Melanosomes
Microscopy, Electron / methods
Middle Aged
Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
S100 Proteins / analysis

Substances

Antigens, Neoplasm
Melanoma-Specific Antigens
Neoplasm Proteins
S100 Proteins