Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: A Rare Case Report

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast is an extremely rare malignancy. It constitutes <0.1% of all primary invasive breast carcinomas. Pure primary SCC of the breast is a rare condition and is considered to arise through metaplastic change of ductal carcinoma cells. These tumors are usually hormone receptor (estrogen receptor [ ER]/progesterone receptor[ PR]) and HER2/neu - negative while endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently overexpressed. These are very aggressive and treatment-refractory tumors with a poor prognosis. Here, we present a case of 58-year-old female presented with a lump measuring 4 cm x 3 cm in her right breast since 8 months. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was positive for malignant cell. Right modified radical mastectomy was done. Histo-pathology proved it to be SCC with no axillary node involvement. ER and PR status was negative. Post-operative six cycles of chemotherapy were given. Use of anti-EGFR therapy, together with synergistic cytotoxics such as platinums and taxanes, should be explored in a clinical trial.