Work

Double Diagnostic Dilemma in Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Metaplastic breast carcinoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of breast cancer. It is characterized by the differentiation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal components and often presents as a triple-negative phenotype. Its varied histomorphology can resemble sarcoma or lymphoma, making diagnosis difficult. We will be discussing a case of a 50-year-old woman with a right breast mass and multiple fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid splenic lesions on PET/CT, which initially suggested a metastatic disease or a disseminated lymphoma. Histopathology of the breast specimen revealed a metaplastic carcinoma with pleomorphic and spindle cell features. The splenic biopsy showed non-tuberculous granulomatous inflammation. This case highlights a diagnostic challenge involving both histological similarities and imaging pitfalls. It emphasizes the importance of tissue diagnosis in FDG-avid lesions to prevent over-staging.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.108527

Authors: Moniga Shree Murugesan, Minmini Selvam, Venkata Sai, Gayathri Kuppusamy, Subalakshmi Balasubramanian

Institution: Sri Ramachandra 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: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7160712851