Work

Breast carcinoma: atypical presentation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A 60-year-old lady presented with a solitary wart-like lesion on the left breast, with no associated pain, erythema, or discharge, initially suggesting a benign dermatological condition. Breast carcinoma with cutaneous involvement occurs in 20-30% of advanced cases, and infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most common subtype (80-85%). However, wart-like cutaneous manifestations are exceedingly rare. Clinical examination of the lesion was firm, irregular, and palpation of the breast revealed an underlying, indistinct firmness, and imaging (mammography, ultrasound) was inconclusive, so a biopsy was done for confirmation. Histopathology showed tumour cells infiltrating the dermis with keratinisation or verrucous overgrowth, establishing ductal carcinoma of the breast with an atypical cutaneous presentation. Such lesions, rarely reported in the literature, may result from tumour spread via lymphatics or dermal invasion and often mimic benign conditions such as papilloma, dermatofibroma, or infections, leading to delayed diagnosis. Therapeutic intervention included surgery (modified radical mastectomy) with further management planned based on receptor status and standard oncologic protocols. Short-term recovery was uneventful. Medium-term management and prognosis are being guided by the final tumour stage and receptor profile, with plans for regular follow-up.

Source: Pan African Medical Journal

DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2025.52.148.46386

Authors: Rajiv Sonarkar, Sanchi Sonarkar

Institution: Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research

Language: English

Topic: Breast Lesions and Carcinomas

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $180