A pure primary squamous cell breast carcinoma presenting as a breast abscess: case report and review of literature

Abstract

We report the fourth worldwide case of pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast presenting as an abscess. An inflammatory breast lesion in postmenopausal woman must be suspected as a malignant one and drainage of the abscess has to be followed by an accurate excision. The finding of a pure squamous cell carcinoma bears the necessity of an accurate diagnostic work up, to exclude a skin lesion or a metastasis from other district. Also histological criteria are discussed. More difficult to outline therapeutic options, due to the rarity of disease and great difference in outcome observed.