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Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Breast

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Surgical Pathology of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Pathology ((CCPATH))

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Abstract

There is debate about the existence of neuroendocrine cells in the normal breast, however, tumours with varying degrees of neuroendocrine differentiation occur. The latest WHO classification identifies solid neuroendocrine carcinoma, small and large cell carcinoma. In addition mucinous carcinoma contributes to a large number of tumours with neuroendocrine differentiation. The biology and molecular pathology of solid neuroendocrine and mucinous carcinomas do not appear independent of grade and these are generally low-grade lesions with an oestrogen receptor positive or negative, chromogranin A positive, TTF1 negative, molecular profile. Small and large cell carcinomas are aggressive tumours with often (but not always) an oestrogen receptor negative and chromogranin A positive, TTF1 positive profile. Metastasis of tumours with neuroendocrine attributes from elsewhere should always be considered when encountered in breast biopsy material.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, Yorkshire Cancer Research and Liz Dawn Pathology and Translational Sciences Centre Section of Pathology and Tumour Biology Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, Level 4, Room 4.13 St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom

    Andrew M. Hanby & Rebecca A. Brannan

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  1. Andrew M. Hanby
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  2. Rebecca A. Brannan
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Correspondence to Andrew M. Hanby .

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  1. School (UMMS), University of Massachusetts Medical, Lake Avenue N. 55, Worcester, 01655, U.S.A.

    Ashraf Khan

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Hanby, A.M., Brannan, R.A. (2009). Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Breast. In: Khan, A. (eds) Surgical Pathology of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors. Current Clinical Pathology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-396-1_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-396-1_13

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