MDCT evaluation of synchronous breast carcinoma and other solid malignancies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple primary malignancies are two or more malignancies in an individual without any relationship between the tumors. The development of improved diagnostic techniques, increased survival of cancer patients and the growing life expectancy have all contributed to the increased frequency of this phenomenon. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to review the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of synchronous breast carcinoma and other solid malignancies. METHODS: This retrospective study included 65 patients confirmed with diagnosis of synchronous breast carcinoma and other solid malignancies. CT scanning was performed using 128 MDCT in all patients. All one hundred-thirty malignancies underwent pathological evaluation. RESULTS: Out of 4120 patients with breast carcinoma; 65 patients were diagnosed with other synchronous primary solid malignancy. All one hundred-thirty malignancies were confirmed pathologically. Breast carcinoma detected in all 65 patients; of them metastatic breast carcinoma detected in 8 patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma was detected in 18 patients, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in 12 patients, endometrial carcinoma in 8 patients, uterine sarcoma in 3 patients, malignant mixed Müllerian tumor in one patient, ovarian carcinoma in 5 patients, renal cell carcinoma in 4 patients, thyroid carcinoma in 4 patients, gastric carcinoma in 2 patients, colonic carcinoma in 2 patients, ano-rectal carcinoma in one patient, hilar cholangiocarcinoma in 2 patients, malignant melanoma in 2 patients and bronchogenic carcinoma in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with breast carcinoma have a risk of other synchronous primary malignancy. So, careful preoperative examination is recommended to improve the patients’ prognosis. MDCT scanning is accurately imaging modality for evaluation of synchronous breast carcinoma and other solid malignancies. The aim of treatment in cancer patients should always be curative even in the presence of multiple malignancies.