Js. Lee et al., Mucocele-like tumor of the breast associated with ductal carcinoma in situand mucinous carcinoma : A case report, J KOR MED S, 16(4), 2001, pp. 516-518
Mucocele-like tumor (MLT) of the breast is a rare neoplasm. Although this l
esion was considered benign when first described, the concept of a patholog
ic continuum with mucinous carcinoma was evident in subsequent reports. Onl
y a few cases of MLT have been reported in Korea. We describe a case of MLT
associated with ductal carcinoma in situ and mucinous carcinoma in a 34-yr
-old female. Histological examination showed multiple mucus-filled cysts of
varying size. Extravasated mucin was present in the surrounding stroma. Th
e lining of the cysts in most areas were of flat or cuboidal epithelium and
devoid of cellular atypia. The lining epithelium showed proliferative chan
ge ranging from atypical ductal hyperplasia to ductal carcinoma in situ, mi
cropapillary type. A microscopic focus of mucinous carcinoma within MLT was
also noted. None of the lesions exhibited epithelial reactivity for p53 pr
otein. The patient is alive and well without evidence of disease 54 months
after initial treatment. This case supports the concept that MLT encompasse
s a spectrum of pathologic lesions including benign tumor, atypical ductal
hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, and mucinous carcinoma.