A CASE OF MUCOCELE-LIKE TUMOR OF THE BREAST RESECTED BY ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY

Abstract

A case of mucocele-like tumor, which was resected by endoscopic surgery, is reported. A 51-year-old woman was seen at the hospital because of a lump of the right breast. Physical examination revealed an 1.5×2.0 cm elastic hard tumor with smooth surface and a well movable nodule in the lateral quadrant of the right breast. Mammography revealed a homogeneous mass lesion. Calcification and spiculation were not detected. Echography revealed cysts and duct-ectasia without papillary lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed enhancement of the wall, however, no papillary lesion was found. Time intensity curve of MRI revealed benign pattern.
An aspiration cytology revealed a jelly like substance and epithelial cells which showed malignant cells and mucinous carcinoma was suspected. However, a possibility of benign tumor could not be ruled out, and a lumpectomy was performed using endoscopic technique for cosmetic benefit. Histopathological study of the resected material disclosed that no lining epithelial cells were present in the cystic wall, and that atypical ductal hyperplasia and mastopathy such as sclerosing adenosis were observed but no prominent cancer cells were seen. Mucocele-like tumor was definitely diagnosed.