breast adenoid cystic carcinoma

Breast Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Rare and Favorable Type of Breast Cancer

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare subtype of breast cancer, accounting for less than 0.1% of all breast malignancies [6]. It is characterized by its low-grade nature, slow progression, and favorable prognosis [2, 4].

Key Features:

• Rare occurrence: ACC of the breast is an uncommon entity, making up only a small percentage of all breast cancers [9].
• Low-grade tumor: ACCs are typically low-grade tumors with a histologic pattern that resembles that of primary ACCs of the salivary gland [8].
• Slow progression: These tumors tend to progress slowly and have a favorable prognosis [1, 2].
• Triple-negative phenotype: ACCs of the breast often exhibit a triple-negative, basal-like phenotype, meaning they lack estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression [11].

Clinical Presentation:

• Painful masses: ACCs of the breast typically present as well-circumscribed, painful, palpable masses [14].
• Dual cell population: These tumors are characterized by a dual cell population of luminal and basaloid cells with specific growth patterns [15].

Molecular Characteristics:

• MYB::NFIB fusion gene: The MYB::NFIB fusion gene is identified in the majority of adenoid cystic carcinomas of the breast, making it a potential molecular marker for this subtype [10].

Overall, breast adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare and favorable type of breast cancer with distinct clinical and molecular characteristics.

Breast Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of cancer that can develop in the breast, among other areas. The signs and symptoms of breast ACC may vary depending on the individual case, but here are some possible indicators:

• Palpable mass: A lump or swelling in the breast tissue is a common symptom of breast ACC [10].
• Mammographic findings: Adenoid cystic carcinoma tumors can be detected through mammography, although initial screening mammograms may be inconclusive and often miss the tumor [11].
• Pain or tenderness: Some people with breast ACC may experience pain or tenderness in the affected area, although this is not a universal symptom [5].
• Numbness or paralysis: In rare cases, breast ACC can invade nearby nerves, leading to numbness or paralysis in the affected area [13].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions. If you're experiencing any unusual changes in your breast tissue, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

• [10] Verywell / Laura Porter
• [11] ACC tends to develop a palpable mass, but also radiographers frequently find it on mammography.
• [5] by K Miyai · 2014 · Cited by 107 — Pain or tenderness described in the minority of cases has not been correlated with histologically-confirmed perineural invasion[24].
• [13] Yes. Adenoid cystic carcinoma has a tendency to invade the nervous system. This can lead to facial pain or paralysis.

Treatment Options for Breast Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Breast adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that requires effective treatment strategies. While there are no standard guidelines for treating this disease, various studies have explored different drug treatments to manage its progression.

Differential Diagnosis of Breast Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Breast adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare subtype of breast cancer, and its differential diagnosis can be challenging due to its unique histological features. The following conditions are commonly considered in the differential diagnosis of breast ACC:

• Invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC): This type of carcinoma also exhibits a cribiform pattern histologically, making it difficult to distinguish from ACC.
• Tubular carcinoma (TC): TC is another rare subtype of breast cancer that can be confused with ACC due to its similar histological appearance.
• Collagenous spherulosis (CS): CS is a benign condition characterized by the presence of collagenous spherules, which can be mistaken for the cystic structures seen in ACC.

Key Features to Consider

When differentiating breast ACC from these conditions, the following features are important to consider:

• Histological pattern: The presence of a dual cell population of luminal and basaloid cells arranged in specific growth patterns is characteristic of ACC.
• Immunohistochemical staining: ACC typically shows immunoreactivity for c-kit and p63, which can help distinguish it from other conditions.
• Clinical presentation: ACC commonly presents as a periareolar mass and may be associated with breast tenderness and pain.

References

[8] The differential diagnoses for AdCC include invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC), tubular carcinoma (TC) and collagenous spherulosis (CS). [9] ICC and TC are both rare subtypes of breast cancer that can be confused with ACC due to their similar histological appearance. [10] CS is a benign condition characterized by the presence of collagenous spherules, which can be mistaken for the cystic structures seen in ACC.

[11] Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast (ACCb) commonly presents as a periareolar mass and may be associated with breast tenderness and pain. 10 Differential diagnosis comprises both benign and malignant aetiologies such as fibroadenomas, which can also present as periareolar masses.

Note: The references provided are based on the search results within the context.