METAPLASTIC CARCINOMA OF BREAST: A CASE REPORT

INTRODUCTION: Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast comprise less than 1% of all invasive carcinomas. They are a heterogeneous group of malignant breast tumors in which a part or all of carcinomatous epithelium gets converted into a non-glandular (Metaplastic) growth process. 1 The sarcomatoid element can be bone, cartilage spindle cell component or myxoid changes. 2 Here, we report a case of metaplastic carcinoma with chondrosarcomatous differentiation which is even more rarer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48yrs old female had swelling in the left breast for 2months duration. Fine needle aspiration cytology was done for the swelling (M) 6x5x4cm. An impression of atypical cells seen in cytology was given (Image 1). A modified radical mastectomy was done which showed aninfiltrating carcinoma mixed with heterologous mesenchymal elements which showed areas of cartilage differentiation. A final impression of pT3pN0cM0 nottinghams grade 3 metaplastic carcinoma with chondrosarcomatous differentiation, margins free of tumor was given. DISCUSSION: Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast comprise less than 1% of all invasive carcinomas. They are a heterogeneous group of malignant breast tumors in which a part or all of carcinomatous epithelium gets converted into a nonglandular (Metaplastic) growth process. 1This case is presented here due to its rarity and hence reporting this will help surgeons in diagnosis.