Metaplasic breast carcinoma: a case report with literature review

Metaplasic breast carcinomas are rare tumors. They constitute a heterogeneous group of tumors defined by the Wotld Health Organization as infiltrating ductal carcinoma but with metaplasic zones (epidermal cell, spindle cell, chondroid, bone or mixed), which vary from a few miscoscopic foci to a complete glandular replacement. The clinical and radiological aspects are not specific. The treatment combines surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Hormonal therapy has no place. The prognosis is gloomy. Histopathology combined with immunohistochemistry provides a reliable diagnosis. Since therapeutic management is limited, a new molecular approach could modify this weak and poorly understood contribution of classical systemic treatments. Patients with breast metaplasic carcinoma may benefit from targeted therapies, which remains to be confirmed by clinical trials.