Open AccessCutaneous metastasis of occult breast cancer: a case report
Author(s) -
Rafael Everton Assunção Ribeiro da Costa,
Cristiane Amaral dos Reis,
Rafael de Deus Moura,
Ana Lúcia Nascimento Araújo,
Fergus Tomás Rocha de Oliveira,
Sabas Carlos Vieira
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.23.31009
Subject(s) - medicine , occult , breast cancer , radiology , biopsy , metastasis , magnetic resonance imaging , mammography , lesion , presentation (obstetrics) , cancer , pathology , alternative medicine
Occult breast cancer (OBC) is characterized by metastatic presentation of undetectable breast tumor on imaging exams. OBC is a rare disease (accounting for 0.3% to 1.0% of all breast cancers) that represents a major diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to report a case of OBC with primary presentation of multiple cutaneous metastases with subsequent emergence of bone metastasis. A 70-year female patient had multiple cutaneous metastatic lesions in the left cervical region, left breast, left axillary region, left subscapular region, in three chirodactylus of the right hand and three chirodactylus of the left hand. Imaging tests (mammogram, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the breast) did not show alterations. Biopsy, histology sections and immunohistochemistry of the left cervical cutaneous lesion were compatible with OBC. After two years of anastrozole treatment (1mg/day), there was regression of all cutaneous lesions and stabilization of bone metastasis. OBC has a better prognosis. It may exhibit spontaneous regression or respond to less aggressive treatment strategies, as described in this case.