Synchronous metastases to the liver and pancreas from a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration

Diagn Cytopathol. 2008 Jan;36(1):54-7. doi: 10.1002/dc.20753.

Abstract

Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma is uncommon. Cases of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast have been reported, though rare. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman who underwent a mastectomy for breast carcinoma and presented three years later with synchronous masses in the head of the pancreas and liver. Fine-needle aspiration of both organs revealed a neuroendocrine carcinoma. The original breast tumor was reviewed and found to express neuroendocrine markers. A diagnosis of a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast was rendered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / secondary*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / secondary*