Pure apocrine carcinoma of the breast

A rare type of breast cancer characterized by apocrine cell features

Pure apocrine carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of breast cancer that is characterized by the presence of apocrine cells. These cells exhibit distinct morphological features, including abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and large nuclei. This type of carcinoma is considered a variant of invasive ductal carcinoma and is distinguished by its unique histological and immunohistochemical profile.

Histopathology

Histological image of apocrine carcinoma

Pure apocrine carcinoma is defined by the presence of more than 90% apocrine cells in the tumor. These cells are large, with abundant granular cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli. The histological appearance is often described as resembling the apocrine sweat glands found in the skin. The tumors are typically well-circumscribed and may exhibit a variety of growth patterns, including solid, tubular, or papillary structures.

Immunohistochemistry

Immunohistochemical staining is crucial for the diagnosis of pure apocrine carcinoma. These tumors are usually negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors but positive for androgen receptors. This receptor profile helps differentiate apocrine carcinoma from other types of breast cancer. Additionally, apocrine carcinomas often express markers such as GCDFP-15 and AR, which are indicative of apocrine differentiation.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with pure apocrine carcinoma of the breast typically present with a palpable mass. The clinical presentation is similar to other types of breast cancer, and there are no specific symptoms that distinguish apocrine carcinoma from other subtypes. Diagnosis is confirmed through a combination of imaging, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical analysis.

Prognosis and Treatment

High-power view of apocrine carcinoma

The prognosis for patients with pure apocrine carcinoma is generally similar to that of other types of invasive ductal carcinoma. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and characteristics of the tumor. Hormonal therapy is not usually effective due to the lack of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression.

Research and Future Directions

Research into pure apocrine carcinoma is ongoing, with studies focusing on the molecular and genetic characteristics of these tumors. Understanding the unique biology of apocrine carcinoma may lead to the development of targeted therapies that improve outcomes for patients with this rare subtype of breast cancer.

Related pages

• Breast cancer
• Invasive ductal carcinoma
• Histopathology
• Immunohistochemistry

Low-power view of apocrine carcinoma

Gallery

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  Ductal carcinoma in situ with apocrine features