A case report of primary small cell carcinoma of the breast and review of the literature

Chin J Cancer. 2012 Jul;31(7):354-8. doi: 10.5732/cjc.012.10012. Epub 2012 Apr 13.

Abstract

Primary small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast, an exceedingly rare and aggressive tumor, is often characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis. We report a case of primary SCC of the breast that was diagnosed through pathologic and immunohistochemical examinations. Computed tomography (CT) scans failed to reveal a non-mammary primary site. Due to the scant number of relevant case summaries, this type of tumor is proved to be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Therefore, we also reviewed relevant literature to share expertise in diagnosis, clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of this type of tumor. Future studies with more cases are required to define more appropriate treatment indications for this disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • CD56 Antigen / metabolism
  • Carboplatin / administration & dosage
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / pathology*
  • Docetaxel
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Mammography
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / metabolism
  • Synaptophysin / metabolism
  • Taxoids / administration & dosage
  • Thyroid Nuclear Factor 1
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • CD56 Antigen
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Synaptophysin
  • Taxoids
  • Thyroid Nuclear Factor 1
  • Transcription Factors
  • Docetaxel
  • Carboplatin
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase