Management of Neuroendocrine Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors are defined as tumors that express neuroendocrine markers, specifically synaptophysin and/or chromogranin in at least 50% of tumor cells. To date, neuroendocrine cancers of the breast are extremely rare with reports that they account for less than 1% of all neuroendocrine tumors and less than .1% of all breast cancers. Limited literature exists to guide treatment decisions tailored to neuroendocrine tumors of the breast, despite the possibility that they may be associated with an overall worse prognosis. We present a rare case of neuroendocrine ductal carcinoma in situ (NE-DCIS) which was discovered upon workup for bloody nipple discharge. In this case, NE-DCIS was managed with the standard recommended treatment regimen for ductal carcinoma in situ.

Keywords: breast; ductal carcinoma in situ; neuroendocrine.