Intracystic papillary carcinoma of the breast: risks in diagnostic, staging and treatment

ABSTRACT

Intracystic papillary carcinoma (IPC) of the breast is a rare form of breast in situ carcinoma that comprises 0.5-2% of all breast tumors. IPC of the breast occurs in women around the sixth decade of life and presents an injury of great dimensions, more frequently retroareolar. Clinical and radiological findings can be confused with advanced-staged invading carcinomas (T2 or T3), leading to unnecessarily aggressive treatment. The correlation of clinical, radiological and anatomopathological findings is necessary for a correct diagnosis. We present two cases of IPC and discuss diagnostic characteristics.