Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: A rare case report

Background: Squamous cells are normally not found inside the breast. Therefore, a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is an exceptional phenomenon and the management of this type of disease is still debated. Aim: Clinical outcome assessment of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the breast. Materials and methods: We report a case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast (T1cN0M0) in a 51-years-old woman who underwent breast conserving surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). Results: With a follow up of 43 months, the patient is alive with no evidence of local or distant recurrence. The patient had Grade 2 acute skin toxicity. No late skin or respiratory toxicity was observed. Conclusions: Pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare and aggressive disease, often treatment-refractory. Our case shows that the addition of RT after breast conserving surgery, allows to achieve a high local control without adding severe toxicity. A multidisciplinary approach seems to be the optimal management for early stages in this rare disease. (C) 2012 Greater Poland Cancer Centre. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.