A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF MUCINOUS CARCINOMA BREAST
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Keywords
mucinous carcinoma, breast cancer, pure mucinous, mixed mucinous, histopathology
Abstract
Mucinous carcinoma of the breast, a rare histological subtype characterized by extracellular mucin production, typically presents in postmenopausal women and carries a more favorable prognosis than invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type.
Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological features of mucinous carcinoma breast cases over a two-year period in a tertiary care setting.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on histologically confirmed cases of mucinous carcinoma breast from September 2020 to September 2022. Clinical presentation, tumor subtype, nodal status, treatment, and hormone receptor profile were assessed.
Results: A total of 9 mucinous carcinoma cases were identified. The majority were postmenopausal women, with a mean age of 61.7 years (range 48–76). Pure mucinous carcinoma was diagnosed in 3 patients, while 6 had mixed mucinous carcinoma. Tumor sizes ranged from 2.5 cm to 6.8 cm. Lymph node involvement was seen in 2 cases, both from the mixed subtype. Estrogen receptor positivity was observed in 8 patients, and all tumors were HER2-negative. Surgical treatment included mastectomy in 7 cases and breast-conserving surgery in 2.
Conclusion: Mucinous carcinoma breast, although rare, has a favorable prognosis, especially in pure forms. Distinguishing pure from mixed variants is essential for clinical management due to differences in aggressiveness and nodal involvement..
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Dr Zoya Ayesha Tariq
Senior Residents, Department of Pathology, SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina Srinagar
Dr Faizah
Senior Residents, Department of Pathology, SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina Srinagar