Metaplastic breast carcinoma with components of undifferentiated sarcomatous carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma: a case report with review of the literature

Abstract

Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare type of breast carcinoma that includes a heterogeneous group of tumors that tend to have mixed and often mesenchymal differentiation. Several variants have been described; however in terms of prognosis, these different variants are referred to as a single entity of MBC. Awareness of this tumor is important as treatment options for patients with MBC differ from those of typical breast carcinomas. In this report, a 58-year-old female presented with a rapidly enlarging breast mass of three-month duration, which was diagnosed as MBC. This case illustrates important points in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with MBC. Clinicopathologic and radiologic features are discussed with review of the literature.