Breast metastasis from endometrial clear cell carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Metastasis to the breast from extra-mammary malignancies are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers. Endometrial cancer, a common gynecological malignancy, often spreads to the pelvis, abdominal lymph nodes, peritoneum or the lungs. Endometrial metastasis to the breast is extremely rare, and while there have been isolated case reports of endometrial serous carcinoma with breast metastasis, it has not been reported in the case of clear cell carcinoma. We present a rare case of a 70 year old Chinese lady who had a metastatic endometrial clear cell carcinoma with metastasis to the breast, mimicking an inflammatory breast cancer clinically. We reviewed the current literature and describe the challenges in differentiating primary from metastatic breast lesions, as well as clinical, radiological and histopathological features that may help to differentiate the two. Tumour metastasis to the breast via lymphatic or hematogenous route can affect their radiological features: the former mimicking inflammatory breast cancer and the latter with features similar to benign breast lesions. Regardless, histological features with immunohistochemical staining is still the gold standard in diagnosing metastatic breast lesions and determining their tissue of origin. Breast metastases from extra-mammary malignancies are uncommon and it is even rarer for endometrial clear cell carcinoma to spread to the breast. Nonetheless, this case highlights the importance of keeping an open mind and engaging a multidisciplinary team for the care of complex patients.