Abstract
Spindle cell carcinoma (SPCC) is a relatively rare breast tumor. Most SPCC has been reported as a relatively large and advanced cancer. We experienced a case of early SPCC of the breast, measuring less than 2cm in diameter. The patient was a 73-year-old woman with a chief complaint of palpable left breast mass. The tumor measured 1.9cm in diameter by mammography. Also no radiographic evidence of lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis was revealed. The tumor was localized in the mammarygland by intraoperative findings. Breast conserving surgery and axillary lymph nodes dissection were performed.
Histologically, the tumor consisted of two components: squamous cell carcinoma in an area of less than 3mm in diameter, and spindle-shaped cell in an area comprosing most of the remaining tumor. A transitional zone between the two components was observed. These findings suggested the following: (1) that only a small area of a carcinoma could transition to SPCC, and (2) that SPCC had gained a higher degree of proliferative activity, thus, it occupied most of the tumor.
