Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast: a review of literature

Abstract

AbstractPrimary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the breast are characterized by neuroendocrine architectural and cytological features, which must be supported by immunohistochemical positivity for neuroendocrine markers (such as Chromogranin and Synaptophysin). According to the literature, making a diagnosis of primary neuroendocrine breast cancer always needs to rule out a possible primary neuroendocrine neoplasm from another site. Currently, the latest 2022 version of the WHO of endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms has classified breast NENs as well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), differentiating them from invasive breast cancers of no special type (IBCs-NST). with neuroendocrine features. The current review article describes six cases from our series and a comprehensive review of the literature in the field of NENs of the breast.