A CASE OF SPINDLE CELL CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

Abstract

A relatively rare case of spindle cell carcinoma of the breast in pregnancy and lactation is reported. A 23-year-old woman had noticed a right breast tumor in the 7th month of pregnancy but did not consult any doctors. She was admitted to the hospital because of enlargement of the tumor during lactation. A 6 cm×4cm tumor was palpated at the lower outer quadrant of the right breast and an azuki bean-sized lymphnode swelling in the right axilla. The tumor was diagnosed as solid tubular carcinoma (T3a, N1a, M0, Stage IIIa). Modified radical mastectomy was performed.
Postoperative histopathological examination revealed spindle cell carcinoma and immunohistochemically, Keratin and EMA were positive but CEA and Vimentin were negative. Both ER and PGR were negative. The patient has been free from recurrence, as of 3 years after the operation.