J Korean Radiol Soc.  2007 May;56(5):497-503. 10.3348/jkrs.2007.56.5.497.

Imaging and the Clinical-Pathologic Features of Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Breast

• Kim DS
• Cho N
• Ko ES
• Kim DY
• Yang SK
• Kim SJ
• Moon WK

• KMID: 2024517
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2007.56.5.497

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the mammographic and sonographic appearances and the clinical-pathologic features of invasive micropapillary carcinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between December 1999 and March 2005, among the 3,109 patients who underwent operation for breast cancer, 25 patients proved to have invasive micropaillary carcinoma. Among the 25 patients, we included 22 patients (mean age: 48, range: 26-77 years) who had undergone preoperative mammography and ultrasound. The mammographic and sonographic findings of the lesions were analyzed retrospectively. The pathologic findings were analyzed via the clinical records and pathology reports.
RESULTS
Patients manifested with a palpable mass (77%, 17/22), bloody nipple discharge (14%, 3/22) or incidental lesion on the screening mammography (9%, 2/22). On mammography, a mass with an irregular (86%, 12/14) shape and an indistinct (43%, 6/14) or spiculated (43%, 6/14) margin was the most common findings on mammography. On sonography, a hypoechoic (91%, 20/22) mass with irregular shape (73%, 16/22) and an indistinct (32%, 7/22) or microlobulated (32%, 7/22) margin was the most common finding. Pathologically, axillary lymph node metastasis was present in 73% (16/22) of the patients.
CONCLUSION
Invasive micropapillary carcinoma appeared an irregular shaped mass with an indistinct margin mass or microcalcifications on mammography and/or sonography. The tumors were frequently associated with axillary lymph node metastasis.

Keyword

Breast, neoplasms; Breast, biopsy; Breast, US

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms
Breast*
Humans
Lymph Nodes
Mammography
Mass Screening
Neoplasm Metastasis
Nipples
Pathology
Retrospective Studies
Ultrasonography