Occult breast carcinoma presenting as gastrointestinal metastases

Abstract

Occult breast cancer has frequently been described as presenting as axillary lymph node metastases but rarely as gastrointestinal metastases, Varadarajan et al. (2007). In extremely rare situations, cancerous lesions identified in the gastrointestinal tract have been determined to be metastatic lesions from primary breast cancers, Taal et al. (2000). We report a case of an occult lobular adenocarcinoma presenting as gastrointestinal metastases. It is essential that the possibility of lesions found in the gastrointestinal tract originating from distant or occult cancers be considered in order that appropriate therapeutic options may be discussed and considered early after diagnosis.

Figure 1

Gastric biopsy. Infiltrating tumor cells (arrow) involving gastric antrum wall (hematoxylin and eosin). Original magnification ×200.

Figure 2

Gastric biopsy. Numerous cytokeratin 7, CK7-positive tumor cells infiltrating gastric wall. Original magnification ×200.

Figure 3

Chest wall lesion. Infiltrating estrogen receptor, ER-positive tumor cells amongst fibrous septa consistent with metastatic breast carcinoma. Original magnification ×100.