Open AccessGlycogen‐rich Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Breast An Autopsy Case
Author(s) -
Okamoto Tsukasa
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
acta patholigica japonica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 0001-6632
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1827.1989.tb02463.x
Subject(s) - glycogen , pathology , basal lamina , autopsy , eosinophilic , periodic acid–schiff stain , breast cancer , medicine , carcinoma , biology , immunohistochemistry , cancer , ultrastructure
An autopsy case of glycogen‐rich clear cell carcinoma (GRCCC) which arose i n the right breast of a 72‐year‐woman is reported. Light microscopic examination of small finger‐tip‐sized tumor revealed solid alveolar proliferation of clear cells containing abundant glycogen. munohistochemically, most of the clear tumor cells were stained for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and alphalactalbumin, whereas a few eosinophilic tumor cells were positive for S‐100 protein, EMA and actin. Electron microscopically, aggregates of glycogen particles, numerous empty glycogen lakes, microvilli, tight junctions and basal lamina were identified. Autopsy disclosed marked metastases to the liver, lung, adrenal, skin and lymph nodes. Primary breast cancer was confirmed by exclusion of primary at any other site. It is suggested that although rare, GRCCC of the breast is as aggressive as usual invasive ductal carcinoma, and is associated with severe nodal and blood‐borne metastases, followed by death. Acta Pathol Jpn 39 : 469‐472, 1989.