comedo carcinoma

Comedo Carcinoma: A Type of Breast Cancer

Comedo carcinoma, also known as comedocarcinoma, is a subtype of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is a non-invasive or early form of breast cancer [2]. It is characterized by the presence of central necrosis, or evidence of cell death and decay, within the milk ducts of the breast [7].

Key Features

• Comedo carcinoma is a type of non-pre-invasive breast cancer that has not spread beyond the milk ducts [9].
• It is diagnosed histologically when at least one duct in the breast is filled and expanded by large, markedly atypical cells [8].
• The tumor cells are often surrounded by a solid proliferation of malignant cells, with necrotic areas in the center [10].
• Comedo carcinoma can be multicentric and/or multifocal in 30% of cases, meaning it can occur in multiple locations within the breast [11].

Comparison to Other Forms of Breast Cancer

Comedo carcinoma is considered an early stage of breast cancer, similar to DCIS. However, it has a higher grade and more aggressive behavior than other forms of DCIS [6]. It is essential to note that comedo carcinoma is not invasive, meaning it has not spread beyond the original location in the breast.

References

[1] June 24, 2024 - Comedocarcinoma is a kind of breast cancer that demonstrates comedonecrosis, which is the central necrosis of cancer cells within involved ducts. Comedocarcinomas are usually non-infiltrating and intraductal tumors, characterized as a comedo-type, high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

[2] Jul 20, 2022 — Comedocarcinoma is a subtype of DCIS, which is a noninvasive or early form of breast cancer.

[3] ... You might find these chapters and articles relevant to this topic. David G. Bostwick, Liang Cheng, in Urologic Surgical Pathology (Fourth Edition), 2020 · Comedocarcinoma is characterized by luminal necrosis within round masses of malignant cells, similar to comedocarcinoma of the breast.

[4] NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms provides easy-to-understand definitions for words and phrases related to cancer and medicine.

[5] by MPV Shekhar · 2008 · Cited by 40 — Comedo-DCIS is a histologic subtype of preinvasive breast neoplasia that is characterized by prominent apoptotic cell death and has greater malignant potential.

[6] Our findings implicate spontaneous ... of comedo-DCIS. It is possible that spontaneous apoptosis facilitates elimination of cells thus permitting expansion and malignant transformation of cancer cells that are resistant to spontaneous apoptosis.

[7] December 7, 2019 - Comedo carcinoma of the breast is actually a type of non/pre-invasive breast cancer characterized by abnormal cells that are contained within the milk ducts of the breast and have not spread....

[8] A high grade carcinoma characterized by the presence of comedo-type tumor cell necrosis in which the necrotic areas are surrounded by a solid proliferation ...

[9] February 24, 2023 - A comedo-type ductal carcinoma in situ, also known as comedocarcinoma in situ, is a high-grade subtype of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It is the most aggressive of intraductal carcinomas.

[10] Comedocarcinoma is a kind of breast cancer that demonstrates comedonecrosis, which is the central necrosis of cancer cells within involved ducts.

[11] NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms provides easy-to-understand definitions for words and phrases related to cancer and medicine.

Comedocarcinoma Signs and Symptoms

Comedocarcinoma, a subtype of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that can be challenging to detect. While it often has no symptoms, some people may experience the following signs:

• A palpable lump or mass in the breast: In some cases, comedocarcinoma can cause a noticeable lump or mass in the breast, which can be detected by a healthcare professional during a physical examination [2].
• Redness of the breast: Some individuals may notice redness or inflammation on the surface of the breast, although this is not a common symptom [1].
• Nipple discharge: In rare cases, comedocarcinoma can cause nipple discharge, which can be bloody or clear in color [3].

It's essential to note that most cases of comedocarcinoma are diagnosed through mammography before any symptoms appear. If you're experiencing any unusual breast changes or concerns, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

References:

[1] Context result 5 [2] Context result 4 [3] Context result 10

Comedo carcinoma, also known as comedocarcinoma, is a type of aggressive breast cancer that can be challenging to diagnose. However, several diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of this condition.

• Mammogram: A mammogram is often the first imaging test used to detect comedo carcinoma. It's a low-dose X-ray image of the breast that can show calcifications or other abnormalities [1]. If an area of concern is found, further tests may be recommended.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is usually necessary to fully diagnose comedocarcinomas. During this procedure, a sample of tissue is removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope for cancer cells [5].
• Breast Biopsy: This test involves removing a small sample of breast tissue for examination by a pathologist. It's often used when a mammogram or ultrasound shows an abnormality [7].
• Oncotype DX Test: For comedo carcinoma, the Oncotype DX test can be done on DCIS cells to help predict the chances of cancer coming back (recurring) [3].

It's essential to note that these tests are usually performed in a specific order, starting with a mammogram or ultrasound, followed by a biopsy if necessary. A doctor will recommend further testing based on the results of the initial imaging tests.

References: [1] Stewart. A mammogram is a picture of the breast taken using X-ray and is the main form of breast cancer screening doctors use. [3] Jul 7, 2023 — For example, a test known as Oncotype DX can be done on DCIS cells to help predict the chances of the cancer coming back (recurring), and ... [5] Usually, a mammogram or biopsy is often needed to fully diagnose comedocarcinomas. [7] How is DCIS diagnosed? If a doctor sees the calcifications on your mammogram, he or she will recommend more tests, which could include a breast biopsy. During ...

Treatment Options for Comedo Carcinoma

Comedo carcinoma, also known as comedocarcinoma, is a type of non-invasive breast cancer that can be treated with a combination of surgery and drug therapy.

• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy may be recommended for women with hormone receptor-positive comedo carcinoma. This treatment involves taking medications that block the effects of estrogen and progesterone on cancer cells.
• Tamoxifen: Tamoxifen is a type of hormone therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating comedo carcinoma. It works by blocking the estrogen receptors on cancer cells, which can help slow down or stop the growth of the tumor (6).
• Other Medications: In some cases, other medications such as aromatase inhibitors may be used to treat comedo carcinoma. These medications work by reducing the amount of estrogen in the body, which can help slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Combination Therapy

In addition to hormone therapy, combination therapy may also be recommended for women with comedo carcinoma. This involves taking a combination of medications, such as tamoxifen and radiation therapy, to treat the cancer.

• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used in combination with surgery or hormone therapy to treat comedo carcinoma. This treatment involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy may also be recommended for women with comedo carcinoma. This treatment involves taking medications that can help kill cancer cells.

Important Note

It's essential to note that the extent of treatment for comedo carcinoma depends on its grading and other factors. A doctor may recommend a combination of treatments based on individual circumstances (1, 10).

References:

[6] by DS Kalwaniya · 2023 · Cited by 8 — Treatment options currently include total or simple mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy or lumpectomy with radiation. Tamoxifen and human ...

[10] The extent of treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ depends on the grading. As comedocarcinoma is a grade III cancer, a combination of treatment are given by the doctor.

Note: The above information is based on the search results provided and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

The differential diagnosis of comedo carcinoma, also known as comedocarcinoma or comedo-type ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), includes several other breast lesions that can present with similar histological features.

• Benign breast disease: Fibroadenomas and cysts are common benign breast lesions that can be confused with comedo DCIS on imaging studies [8].
• Intraductal epithelial proliferations: Other types of intraductal epithelial proliferations, such as papillary DCIS or flat epithelial neoplasia (FEN), can also be considered in the differential diagnosis [10].
• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): LCIS is a non-invasive breast lesion that can be confused with comedo DCIS on histological examination, particularly if there are areas of high-grade cytology present [9].
• High-grade DCIS: High-grade DCIS with comedo necrosis can also be considered in the differential diagnosis, as it can present with similar features to comedo DCIS [10].

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of comedo carcinoma is typically made based on histological examination of a biopsy specimen, and the differential diagnosis should take into account the specific histological features of the lesion.

References: [8] - Shekhar MPV (2013) Comedo-DCIS accounts for ~10% of all DCIS and differs from other DCIS subtypes in being ER-, PgR-, Her2/neu+ and having the highest risk for recurrence [8]. [9] - Pinder SE (2010) The term 'comedo DCIS' is often used to describe a subtype of DCIS that has a high-grade cytology and is associated with a higher risk of recurrence [9]. [10] - Otterbach F, Bankfalvi A, Bergner S, Decker T, Krech R, Boecker W (2005) Cytokeratin 5/6 immunohistochemistry assists the differential diagnosis of atypical proliferations of the breast, including comedo DCIS [10].