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Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast

  • Case Report and Review of the Literature
  • Published:
Hellenic Journal of Surgery

Abstract

Background-Aim

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast (SCC) is a rare tumour. The exact histogenesis and clinical behaviour of this malignancy has not been fully elucidated. We herein present a related case report and an extensive review of the relevant literature.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 66-year-old woman that presented with a well-circumcised mass in her left breast. There were no palpable axillary nodes. An ultrasound and mastography revealed an 8.5 cm cystic lesion. Early relapses followed consecutive aspirations. Cytology was not conclusive. An operation was decided, during which a frozen section was positive for malignancy. A simple mastectomy was performed. Histologic examination confirmed the definitive diagnosis. Adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy was administered.

Conclusion

Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is an interesting rarity that presents as a cystic breast lesion. Its natural history has not been entirely elucidated. Preoperative diagnosis of this rarity can prove very difficult. Many more cases are needed to delineate its characteristics in a future metanalysis. In a cystic lesion with a non-diagnostic investigation, surgery may be required as a definitive diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Surgery, Thriasion General Hospital, Athens, Greece

    A. Ninos, I. Pougouras & S. Pierrakakis

  2. Department of Radiology, Thriasion General Hospital, Athens, Greece

    A. Papaevangelou

  3. Department of Pathology, Thriasion General Hospital, Athens, Greece

    C. Dimopoulou & E. Papakonstantinou

Authors
  1. A. Ninos
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  2. C. Dimopoulou
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  3. A. Papaevangelou
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  4. I. Pougouras
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  5. E. Papakonstantinou
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  6. S. Pierrakakis
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Correspondence to A. Ninos.

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Ninos, A., Dimopoulou, C., Papaevangelou, A. et al. Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast. Hellenic J Surg 83, 230–234 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-011-0034-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-011-0034-1

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