Metastasis from breast cancer to an endometrial polyp; treatment options and follow-up. Report of a case and review of the literature

Eur J Gynaecol Oncol. 2011;32(2):228-30.

Abstract

Introduction: The female genital tract is rarely involved by metastatic tumors. The most common anatomic locations are the ovaries and the vagina. A case is presented of metastatic breast carcinoma to the vulva and endometrial polyp, both exceptional.

Case report: We report the case of an 83-year-old female who presented with vaginal bleeding. Lobular breast carcinoma was diagnosed earlier and during follow-up vulvar metastasis was detected. Hysteroscopic examination because of postmenopausal bleeding revealed an endometrial polyp which was resected. The morphology and immunohistochemistry of the polyp were consistent with lobular breast cancer: metastatic breast cancer to an endometrial polyp. After reviewing the literature 15 cases of metastatic breast carcinoma to endometrial polyps have been reported. The clinical presentation and course, risk factors, treatment and follow-up are discussed.

Conclusion: Metastasis of a breast carcinoma to the vulva and an endometrial polyp are extremely rare, but clinicians should be aware of both phenomena.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Lobular / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Lobular / therapy
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Polyps / pathology*
  • Polyps / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / therapy