Work

Histologic heterogeneity in synchronous bilateral breast cancer: a case report and literature review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Synchronous bilateral primary breast cancer (sBPBC) accounts for 2.9%-3.9% of newly diagnosed breast cancers, while cases with discordant histologic subtypes are exceptionally rare. We report on a 59-year-old woman with synchronous left-sided invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and right-sided invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). The patient underwent bilateral breast-conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and endocrine therapy. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during the 12-month follow-up. To place the present case in the context of the existing literature, we comparatively reviewed seven previously reported cases of synchronous bilateral IDC and ILC. The comparison illustrated considerable heterogeneity in the clinicopathological characteristics, molecular profiles, nodal involvement, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes. These findings support independent characterization of each breast lesion and individualized treatment planning based on the features of both tumors.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1936986

Authors: Xuedi Yuan, Wen Liu, Xiuxia Liu, Chuyun Sun, Yuwen Cao

Institutions: Shihezi University, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Multiple and Secondary Primary Cancers

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801