A case of breast cancer metastatic to the tail of the pancreas

Breast Cancer. 2006;13(2):225-9. doi: 10.2325/jbcs.13.225.

Abstract

Breast cancer metastasis to pancreas is rarely seen. There have been only 6 cases described in the literature. We present the seventh case of a 54-year-old woman with breast cancer that metastasized to the tail of the pancreas 4 years and 4 months after radical mastectomy. Although the serum levels of CA15-3 and TPA had gradually increased without symptoms, it was difficult to establish the diagnosis before contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan was performed. Immunohistochemical staining using E-cadherin was positive, proving that the breast cancer was ductal rather than lobular in origin. CA15-3 immunohistochemically stained positive in the resected pancreas lesion. Positive monoclonal staining by GCDFP-15 (gross cystic disease fluid protein-15) in the pancreas tumor also confirmed it breast cancer origin. Investigation of chemokine/chemokine receptors may clarify a new mechanism of metastasis to the pancreas from breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Bone Neoplasms / therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / therapy
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mastectomy, Modified Radical
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome