Mixed Type Mucinous Breast Carcinoma in an Old Female: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Aims: Mucinous carcinomas of breast are rare malignant tumors characterized by mucin-producing cancer cells. Primarily based on cellularity these are divided into two different variants: pure and mixed. The reported incidence of mixed type mucinous breast carcinoma is very less. We present a case of mixed type mucinous breast carcinoma in an old female. Presentation of Case: A 60-year-old previously healthy, post-menopausal female presented with painless, right breast lump of 4-months duration. Other history of the patient was unremarkable. Local examination revealed a 3.0 × 2.5 cm size mobile, non-tender lump in upper outer quadrant of right breast without any axillary lymph node. Patient underwent right modified radical mastectomy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry markers confirmed the mass as stage II (pT2N0) mixed (AB) type mucinous carcinoma of breast with neuroendocrine differentiation. Patient was given 6-courses of adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy and after 1–year of follow up patient is completely disease free. Discussion: Although, mucinous carcinoma has praising prognosis than other invasive breast malignancy, mixed type has comparatively less favorable outcome. Surgery is the primary mode of treatment; decision of adjuvant therapy whether chemo-, radiation or hormonal therapy depends on different prognostic markers. Regional nodal metastasis is the most significant and adverse prognostic marker; tumor size, hormone-receptor-positivity and amount of mucin production being the other prognostic indicators. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is mostly explored with encouraging outcome, radiation and hormone-therapy are given as per indication. ‘ Conclusion: Here, radical surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy yielded complete response in a mixed type mucinous breast carcinoma.