Rapidly growing nodular pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia of the breast in an 18-year-old girl

APMIS. 2006 May;114(5):389-92. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2006.apm_207.x.

Abstract

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) of the breast is a rare benign proliferation of mesenchymal stromal cells with irregular slit-like formations resembling angiomatous structures. In the majority of cases this lesion is a focal microscopic finding in breast biopsies performed for benign or malignant diseases. It may present in a pure diffuse or nodular form. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of this tumor-like lesion is still unknown, but a proliferative response of myofibroblasts to hormonal stimuli has been postulated. A large 12 x 9 x 3.5 cm rapidly growing nodular form of PASH of the breast in an 18-year-old woman is here described with clinical and histological findings. A possible hormonal etiology was indicated by elevated progesterone (three-fold) and decreased estrogen serum levels. Different diagnostic lesions, such as giant fibroadenoma and low-grade angiosarcoma, are discussed. To the authors' knowledge this is only the fourth case of nodular PASH of the breast reported in the English literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anovulation
  • Breast / cytology*
  • Breast / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia / diagnosis
  • Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue / pathology*
  • Progesterone / blood
  • Stromal Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Progesterone