Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast

Objective: Pure squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast is a rare tumour and its clinical behaviour is not correctly known. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the cases of SCC studied in our institution. Study design: The breast department's database was searched for patients diagnosed with breast SCC between September 1979 and June 2006. Pathological features, outcome aspects and prognosis were studied. All specimens were reviewed by our pathologist who performed inmunohistochemistry for hormone receptors. Results: Eleven patients were identified (0.19%) between 5771 cases of breast cancer. Mean age was 64 (37-76) years and mean follow-up was 46 (6-216) months. Mean disease free survival (DFS) was 92 months (S.E. = 33), with a 36% DFS rate at 5 years and the mean overall survival was 93 months (S.E. = 34). Mean survival from the time recurrent disease was recognized was 9 (1-16) months. Tumours were hormone receptor negative. Conclusions: SCC of the breast is aggressive and often treatment-refractory. The role of different new chemotherapy regimens need to be explored. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.