Management and prognosis of pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the management and prognosis of Pure primary squamous cell carcinoma (PPSCC) of the breast.

Materials and methods: This study is a multicentre retrospective cohort from three French tertiary referral hospitals (Rennes, Orléans and Tours) including all women treated for a PPSCC of the breast defined by squamous cells that could contain a minority of sarcomatoid component. We excluded carcinomas with a ductual component. Clinicopathologic, radiological and therapeutic patterns were described. Demographic, histological and therapeutic characteristics were compared to a population of women with triple negative invasive breast carcinomas.

Results: Twelve patients were included, with a mean age of 71.6 years. All lesions were unifocal, with a cystic complex ultrasound mass in 50% of cases. Mean tumor size was 43mm, with axillary lymph node metastasis in 25% of patients. The comparison with a population of women with triple negative breast carcinomas revealed that women with PPSCC were older (71 versus 57 years, p=0.003), tumor size was larger (43mm versus 25mm, p=0.032) and local recurrence occurred earlier (three months versus 38 months, p=0.014).

Conclusion: PPSCC is a rare entity with a worse prognosis in comparison with triple negative invasive carcinoma.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Metaplastic carcinoma; Prognosis; Pure primary squamous cell carcinoma; Triple negative.