Definition
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the breast is a tumor composed of mucous-secreting intermediate and epidermoid cells. It can present a great variety of architectural patterns, ranging from cystic to solid. Its features are similar to MEC arising in the major and minor salivary glands (Foschini et al. 2017; Foschini and Krausz 2010).
Clinical Features
Incidence
Breast MEC is an extremely rare type of tumor. Its incidence is not exactly known, as only single case or small series are reported (Basburg 2011; Foschini 2017).
Age
MEC affects mainly adult patients, aged from 29 to 80 years.
Sex
At present breast MEC has been described in female patients only.
Site
MEC can arise in all breast quadrants. When it affects the retro-areolar region, it can present with nipple discharge.
Treatment
Radical surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Axillary lymph node dissection and chemotherapy have been added in high-grade MEC.
Outcome
Outcome mainly depends on MEC grading. MEC,...
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References
Basbug, M., Akbulut, S., Arikanoglu, Z., Sogutcu, N., Firat, U., & Kucukoner, M. (2011). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a breast affected by burn scars: Comprehensive literature review and case report. Breast Care (Basel), 6, 293–297.
Camelo-Piragua, S. I., Habib, C., Kanumuri, P., Lago, C. E., Mason, H. S., & Otis, C. N. (2009). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the breast shares cytogenetic abnormality with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland: A case report with molecular analysis and review of the literature. Human Pathology, 40, 887–892.
Di Tommaso, L., Foschini, M. P., Ragazzini, T., Magrini, E., Fornelli, A., Ellis, I. O., & Eusebi, V. (2004). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the breast. Virchows Archives, 444, 13–19.
Foschini, M. P., & Krausz, T. (2010). Salivary gland-type tumors of the breast: A spectrum of benign and malignant tumors including “triple negative carcinomas” of low malignant potential. Seminar in Diagnostic Pathology, 27, 77–90.
Foschini, M. P., Morandi, L., Asioli, S., Giove, G., Corradini, A. G., & Eusebi, V. (2017). The morphological spectrum of salivary gland type tumours of the breast. Pathology, 49, 215–227.
Tjalma, W. A., Verslegers, I. O., De Loecker, P. A., & Van Marck, E. A. (2002). Low and high grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the breast. European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology, 23, 423–425.
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Foschini, M.P., Morandi, L. (2020). Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Breast. In: Sapino, A., Kulka, J. (eds) Breast Pathology. Encyclopedia of Pathology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62539-3_4766
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62539-3_4766
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