[Metastasis to the breast from non mammary metastasis. Clinical, radiological characteristics and diagnostic process. A report of two cases and a review of literature]

Abstract

The metastatic involvement of the breast from non-mammary neoplasms is a relatively rare condition: 0.5 to 6% of the breast cancers. All cancers can give breast metastases, several months after the discovery of the primitive tumor or in 25% of the cases in being the first sign. Their clinical and radiological presentation polymorphic installation a problem of differential diagnosis between benign tumor, like the fibroadenomas on the one hand, and malignant tumors of other share. The presence of multiple, bilateral round tumors, superficial without the traditional signs of malignity which one meets with the primitive tumors: irregular margins, spiculations, microcalcifications, posterior cone of shadow is evocative diagnosis. The IRM finds the criteria of malignity specific to the primitive tumor. Pathologic examination completed with immunohistochemical tests is a key point for diagnosis. The search for a primitive tumor is essential, in particular for neuroendocrine carcinoma, stromal sarcoma, and the angiosarcoma which can be primitive tumors of the breast. Treatment is therefore modified, taking into consideration the treatment and prognosis of the primary disease.