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1.
J Cutan Pathol ; 51(2): 92-98, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37743579

ABSTRACT

Apocrine carcinoma cases with sebaceous differentiation have not been reported and can be misdiagnosed as sebaceous carcinoma. We present two cases of apocrine carcinoma with marked sebocyte-like cytological features. Tumors were observed in the left axilla of a 68-year-old man (Case 1) and the right axilla of a 72-year-old man (Case 2). Both patients presented with multiple lymph node metastases. Histopathology revealed densely distributed solid nests of tumor cells containing foamy cytoplasm and enlarged round nuclei with prominent nucleoli. The tumor cells diffusely expressed adipophilin, PRAME (cytoplasmic pattern), androgen receptor, BerEP4, and GCDFP15 but did not express p63 in both cases. PIK3CA E726K and H1047R mutations were detected in Cases 1 and 2, respectively. Tumor location in the axilla, the presence of eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and PIK3CA mutations, immunoreactivity for BerEP4 and GCDFP15, and lack of p63 immunoexpression findings matched apocrine carcinoma characteristics, but not sebaceous carcinoma. Thus, apocrine carcinoma can demonstrate intracytoplasmic lipid accumulation and rarely exhibit sebocyte-like cytological features. Apocrine carcinoma should be distinguished from sebaceous carcinoma due to the former's higher metastatic potential and lack of association with Muir-Torre syndrome.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Sebaceous , Carcinoma, Skin Appendage , Muir-Torre Syndrome , Sebaceous Gland Neoplasms , Sweat Gland Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Aged , Adenocarcinoma, Sebaceous/pathology , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Epithelial Cells/pathology , Sebaceous Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Sebaceous Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Antigens, Neoplasm
2.
J Cutan Pathol ; 51(6): 419-423, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38468567

ABSTRACT

Gene fusions have emerged as crucial molecular drivers of oncogenesis in a subset of cutaneous adnexal neoplasms, including poroid neoplasms and hidradenomas. We present a unique case of primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma harboring RARA::NPEPPS fusion, broadening the spectrum of fusion-associated cutaneous adnexal neoplasms. A 77-year-old African American male presented with an ulcerated thigh nodule. Histopathologically, the predominantly dermal-based adenocarcinoma exhibited papillary, micropapillary, cribriform, and solid growth patterns with central comedonecrosis, set in a fibrotic/desmoplastic stroma. Immunophenotypically, the neoplastic cells were positive for CK7, CK19, GATA3, TRPS1, HER2, CK5/6, calretinin, p63, and DPC4 (no loss), while lacking immunoreactivity for CK20, CDX2, TTF1, napsin-A, PAX8, arginase-1, adipophilin, NKX3.1, uroplakin II, and D2-40. The immunoprofile and clinical and radiographic absence of any internal malignancy, including breast carcinoma, except for multiple lymphadenopathy, supported the diagnosis of primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma. Next-generation sequencing unveiled the novel RARA::NPEPPS fusion, concurrent ERBB2 amplification, and multiple somatic mutations involving TP53, CDKN2A, BRCA2, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, and others. The patient developed widespread metastases within a year after the initial diagnosis, indicating the tumor's aggressive behavior. This novel fusion, unprecedented in any human malignancies including primary cutaneous adnexal carcinomas, may suggest a potential new subtype within primary cutaneous adnexal carcinoma.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion , Sweat Gland Neoplasms , Aged , Humans , Male , Adenocarcinoma/genetics , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Apocrine Glands/pathology , Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/metabolism , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/metabolism
3.
Jpn J Clin Oncol ; 2024 Jul 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39079082

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous apocrine carcinoma is a rare skin cancer arising from apocrine sweat glands. Disease-specific treatments are required for cutaneous adnexal carcinomas due to their heterogeneous treatment responsiveness. This review reports on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathological features, surgical management, and use of systemic therapies for cutaneous apocrine carcinoma. Diagnosing cutaneous apocrine carcinoma requires presenting with distinctive pathological features and excluding metastatic adenocarcinomas, particularly breast cancer. Clinical findings are essential to exclude metastatic adenocarcinomas, and immunohistochemistry can be used as an adjunctive tool to rule out other diseases. Wide local excision is the standard treatment for resectable cutaneous apocrine carcinomas. Prophylactic lymphadenectomy should be considered as a treatment option given the high incidence of lymph node metastasis. Generally, cutaneous apocrine carcinomas are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy; however, adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended for high-risk patients. Radiation or systemic therapy is administered to patients with distant metastases or recurrence. The systemic therapeutic options include cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Given the lack of data on clinical prognosis and standardized treatments, further studies are needed to improve our understanding of cutaneous apocrine carcinomas.

4.
Mod Pathol ; 36(5): 100125, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36870308

ABSTRACT

Triple-negative apocrine carcinomas (TNACs) are rare breast tumors with limited studies evaluating their molecular characteristics and clinical behavior. We performed a histologic, immunohistochemical, genetic, and clinicopathologic assessment of 42 invasive TNACs (1 with a focal spindle cell component) from 41 patients, 2 pure apocrine ductal carcinomas in situ (A-DCIS), and 1 A-DCIS associated with spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma (SCMBC). All TNACs had characteristic apocrine morphology and expressed androgen receptor (42/42), gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (24/24), and CK5/6 (16/16). GATA3 was positive in most cases (16/18, 89%), and SOX10 was negative (0/22). TRPS1 was weakly expressed in a minority of tumors (3/14, 21%). Most TNACs had low Ki67 proliferation (≤10% in 67%, 26/39), with a median index of 10%. Levels of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were low (≤10% in 93%, 39/42, and 15% in 7%, 3/42). Eighteen percent of TNACs presented with axillary nodal metastasis (7/38). No patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy achieved pathologic complete response (0%, 0/10). Nearly all patients with TNAC (97%, n = 32) were without evidence of disease at the time of study (mean follow-up of 62 months). Seventeen invasive TNACs and 10 A-DCIS (7 with paired invasive TNAC) were profiled by targeted capture-based next-generation DNA sequencing. Pathogenic mutations in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway genes PIK3CA (53%) and/or PIK3R1 (53%) were identified in all TNACs (100%), including 4 (24%) with comutated PTEN. Ras-MAPK pathway genes, including NF1 (24%), and TP53 were mutated in 6 tumors each (35%). All A-DCIS shared mutations, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase aberrations and copy number alterations with paired invasive TNACs or SCMBC, and a subset of invasive carcinomas showed additional mutations in tumor suppressors (NF1, TP53, ARID2, and CDKN2A). Divergent genetic profiles between A-DCIS and invasive carcinoma were identified in 1 case. In summary, our findings support TNAC as a morphologically, immunohistochemically, and genetically homogeneous subgroup of triple-negative breast carcinomas and suggest overall favorable clinical behavior.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Carcinoma in Situ , Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Transcription Factors , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Repressor Proteins
5.
J Cutan Pathol ; 50(12): 1042-1047, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37718479

ABSTRACT

Primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma is a rare adnexal tumor that arises from apocrine progenitor cells. These tumors may be associated with benign apocrine hyperplasia, and a longstanding history of a lesion should not preclude a malignant diagnosis. We report a case of a 70-year-old female who presented to the clinic with a 3-year history of an asymptomatic vulvar lesion. An excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed a tumor with two distinct components. The first component was determined to be a benign tubular apocrine adenoma. The second component, arising within the apocrine adenoma, was determined to be an apocrine carcinoma based on histopathologic features and immunohistochemical profile. Twelve months after subsequent wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy, the patient is alive without recurrence.


Subject(s)
Adenoma , Carcinoma , Sweat Gland Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Aged , Apocrine Glands/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Adenoma/pathology , Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy , Carcinoma/pathology
6.
Int J Clin Oncol ; 28(12): 1690-1696, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37801154

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous apocrine carcinoma (CAC) is a rare adnexal carcinoma. Limited data exists on the demographics and overall survival (OS) of patients with CAC; thus, there is no consensus on surgical management. This study aimed to examine demographic and survival data of patients with CAC to determine optimal surgical management. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo between 2005 and 2022. Patients with a histologically-confirmed CAC diagnosis were identified and data on patient demographics, OS, and lymph node (LN) status were gathered. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included (median age, 65.5 years; male-female ratio, 15:1). The most common involvement site was the axilla (87.5%). Of the nine patients in the clinical local stage, pathological LN metastases were found in five patients. Either pathological LN or distant metastases were present in 75% of the patients at initial diagnosis. The most common initial surgical treatments included wide local excision and complete LN dissection. Across cohorts, the median OS was 39 months. Patients with ≥ 4 LN metastases had reduced recurrence-free survival and OS compared to those with ≤ 3 LN metastases (p = 0.042, p = 0.041, respectively). The OS was not remarkably different between patients who did and did not receive postoperative radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Since CAC has a high rate of LN metastasis-and the number of LN metastases is a significant prognostic factor-LN evaluation should be considered for patients with CAC as initial treatment. Nonetheless, ≥ 4 LN metastases can be a poor prognostic factor for CAC.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma , Lymph Nodes , Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Retrospective Studies , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Prognosis , Lymph Node Excision , Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology , Carcinoma/surgery , Neoplasm Staging
7.
Breast Cancer Res Treat ; 193(2): 523-533, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35355162

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Apocrine carcinoma of the breast (APO) expresses HER2 in 30-50% of cases. This study explored the clinicopathological features and outcome of HER2+/APO and matched HER2+/NST cohort. METHODS: We used the SEER database to explore the cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the survival. Based on ER and PR [steroid receptors/SR/] and HER2 status, we divided the cohorts to match the intrinsic molecular subtypes for comparisons. RESULTS: We retrieved 259 cases of HER2+/APO. Most HER2+/APO were SR negative (65%). HER2+/APO were more prevalent in the 80+ age group (24.7% vs. 15.7%, p < 0.001). HER2+/SR-/APO had a significantly lower histological grade than the HER2+/SR-/NST (p < 0.001). Breast cancer-related deaths were more prevalent in HER2+/NST (7.8% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.019). This was particularly evident between SR- subgroups (10.4% in HER2+/SR-/NST vs. 4.2% in HER2+/SR-/APO, p = 0.008) and was reaffirmed in breast cancer-specific survival in univariate analysis (p = 0.03). Other than race and SR status, HER2+/APO subgroups did not differ in clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the rarity of the APO and reveals that SR status in APO does not affect these patients' prognosis. HER2+/APO tumors tend to have a less aggressive phenotype and a more favorable outcome despite a markedly lower ER/PR positivity.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Carcinoma , Biomarkers, Tumor , Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Female , Humans , Prognosis , Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics , Receptors, Estrogen/genetics , Receptors, Progesterone/genetics , Treatment Outcome
8.
Histopathology ; 79(6): 926-939, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34156717

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of axillary signet-ring cell/histiocytoid carcinoma (SRCHC) and the relationship between axillary SRCHC, eyelid SRCHC, and conventional apocrine carcinoma (AC). METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven cases of axillary SRCHC, four cases of eyelid SRCHC, eight cases of axillary AC and five cases of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) were retrieved. Additionally, 14 axillary and 43 eyelid SRCHC cases from the literature were reviewed. Male predominance was prominent for axillary SRCHC (24:1) and eyelid SRCHC (42:5). Axillary SRCHC formed a circumscribed plaque or nodule, unlike eyelid SRCHC. Lymph node metastasis was predominantly seen in axillary SRCHC cases (72%, 18/25), but not in eyelid SRCHC cases (19%, 9/47). Axillary SRCHC and eyelid SRCHC were histopathologically similar and showed rare tubular formations. Immunoexpression of cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 19, mucin 1, mucin 5AC, BerEP4 and androgen receptor was seen in all tested cases of the four diseases. Oestrogen and progesterone receptors were negative in both types of SRCHC and AC, but were strongly positive in ILCs. Complete loss of E-cadherin expression was seen in approximately one-quarter of both types of SRCHC and in all ILCs. PIK3CA mutations were detected in all three sequenced cases (two axillary SRCHCs and one eyelid SRCHC). CONCLUSION: The histopathological, immunohistochemical and genetic findings suggest that both types of SRCHC are phenotypic variants of AC, although there are differences in sex, macroscopic findings and the frequency of lymph node metastasis among the three. In contrast, ILC differs from the other three tumour types.


Subject(s)
Axilla/pathology , Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell/pathology , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Eyelid Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
9.
J Cutan Pathol ; 48(11): 1397-1403, 2021 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34152024

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous apocrine carcinomas share common features with their counterparts in the breast; hence, metastatic mammary carcinoma must be excluded before such lesions can be designated primary cutaneous neoplasms. Primary tumors from either source rarely exhibit neuroendocrine differentiation. We report a case of a 72-year-old female with a painless 1.2-cm scalp nodule. An incisional biopsy revealed dermal involvement by an invasive apocrine carcinoma juxtaposed to a benign apocrine cystic lesion. Immunohistochemically, the carcinoma expressed neuroendocrine proteins including synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CD56. A primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation was favored, but additional investigations to exclude breast origin were recommended. These revealed a 1.1-cm nodule in the right breast, which proved to be an invasive ductal carcinoma, morphologically and immunophenotypically similar to the scalp lesion. This confounded the case, yet factors militating against metastatic breast carcinoma to skin included (a) the small size of the mammary tumor, (b) absence of other metastatic disease, and (c) juxtaposition of the scalp carcinoma to a putative benign precursor. Molecular studies were undertaken to resolve the diagnostic quandary. Single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis revealed distinct patterns of chromosomal copy number alterations in the two tumors, supporting the concept of synchronous and unusual primary neoplasms.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology , Carcinoma, Skin Appendage/pathology , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Aged , Female , Humans
10.
BMC Womens Health ; 21(1): 396, 2021 11 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34823507

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Apocrine carcinoma is a rare tumor that constitutes < 4% of all breast malignancies, characterized by the proliferation of large atypical cells with strictly defined borders, abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, large nuclei, and prominent nucleoli in more than 90% of tumor cells. Triple-negative apocrine carcinoma is a rare molecular subtype that constitutes less than 1% of triple-negative breast cancers and is characterized by negative expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor, with positive expression of androgen receptor. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 45-year-old Syrian female who presented to our hospital due to a painless palpable mass in her left breast. Following physical and radiological examinations, an excisional biopsy was performed. Microscopic examination of the specimen followed by immunohistochemical staining revealed the diagnosis of a triple-negative apocrine carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Triple-negative apocrine carcinoma is an extremely rare neoplasm that must be considered in the differential diagnoses of breast lesions through detailed clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical correlations. In our manuscript, we aimed to present the first case report of a Syrian female who was diagnosed with a triple-negative apocrine carcinoma, aiming to highlight the importance of detailed clinical, histological and immunohistochemical correlations with a detailed review of diagnostic criteria, molecular characteristics, and treatment recommendations.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Carcinoma , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms , Biomarkers, Tumor , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Middle Aged , Syria , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging
11.
J Surg Oncol ; 122(6): 1232-1239, 2020 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32668059

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Apocrine adenocarcinoma is a rare subtype of breast cancer. We sought to compare the characteristics and survival of patients diagnosed with triple-negative apocrine adenocarcinoma to those of patients diagnosed with triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma. Utilizing data from the National Cancer Database between 2004 and 2013, 70 524 eligible female patients with triple-negative breast cancer were identified including 566 patients with apocrine adenocarcinomas and 69 958 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma. Descriptive statistics for each variable were reported. A comparison of each covariate between the study cohorts was assessed in univariate and multivariate analysis. Cox proportional models were used to calculate hazard ratios. Additionally, the propensity score matching method was implemented to reduce treatment selection bias. RESULTS: Patients with triple-negative apocrine tumors were more likely to be older, Caucasian, and have smaller, moderately to well-differentiated tumors. Multivariable analysis noted a significantly improved survival for patients with triple-negative apocrine carcinoma (TNAC) vs triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma (TNBC) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65 [95% confidence interval [CI] [0.53-0.81], P = 0 < .001). Propensity score matching analysis confirmed a significant difference in overall survival for patients with TNAC in comparison to TNBC (HR 0.79 [95% CI [0.63-1.00], P = .05). DISCUSSION: Triple-negative apocrine adenocarcinomas have a modestly improved long-term survival when compared with triple-negative invasive ductal cancers.


Subject(s)
Apocrine Glands/pathology , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/mortality , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/mortality , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/therapy , Cohort Studies , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , SEER Program , Survival Rate , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Young Adult
12.
Australas J Dermatol ; 61(2): e189-e195, 2020 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31736065

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma is a rare malignant adnexal skin tumour that can recur locally, spread to regional lymph nodes and metastatize to visceral organs. Wide dissemination and death from disease are much less common. The axilla is the most common site of presentation. It is infrequently reported in the head and neck region. METHODS: All cases diagnosed as primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma of the head and neck were retrospectively collected from the archives of the Division of Pathological Anatomy, University of Florence from 1996 to 2016. There was no history or clinical evidence of breast cancer. Clinical data and follow-up were collected by the clinicians. RESULTS: Nine cases were found, with a mean age of 76 years, ranging in size between 0.3 and 3.5 cm. Clinically, they were frequently mistaken for basal cell carcinomas. Histopathologically, all the tumours showed decapitation secretion, a tubular, solid or mixed (tubulo-papillary and solid-tubular) growth pattern and were predominantly classified as grade 2 tumours. GCDFP-15 and hormone receptors were variably expressed. HER2 and podoplanin were negative in all cases. In one case, spreading to regional lymph nodes was observed. No cases were associated with death due to the disease. CONCLUSION: As immunohistochemical analysis lacks specificity in distinguishing primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma from a cutaneous metastasis of breast carcinoma, detailed clinical history, breast examination, adequate treatment and follow-up are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Apocrine Glands/pathology , Carcinoma, Skin Appendage/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Aged , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Retrospective Studies
13.
Pathol Int ; 69(5): 288-293, 2019 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30811750

ABSTRACT

Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma (PLC) of the breast is a variant of lobular carcinoma, characterized by loss of E-cadherin expression and high-grade morphologies. Whether the pathogenesis of PLC is in the ductal or the lobular lineage has been discussed. In this report, a case of PLC combined with apocrine carcinoma is presented. Histologically, the tumor showed two distinct carcinoma components: one was a typical apocrine carcinoma, and the other was a pleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma. The former showed complete membranous expression of E-cadherin, whereas the latter aberrantly expressed it not on the cell membrane, but in the cytoplasm. Both components were triple-negative and strongly positive for GCDFP-15, suggesting apocrine differentiation. The intraductal component showed only a feature of apocrine ductal carcinoma in situ. This case suggests that apocrine carcinoma could be an origin of PLC.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Cadherins/metabolism , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology , Carcinoma, Lobular/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Lobular/pathology , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/pathology , Aged, 80 and over , Breast/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , Carcinoma in Situ/pathology , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism , Carcinoma, Lobular/metabolism , Female , Humans , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/metabolism
14.
J Cutan Pathol ; 45(12): 897-904, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30187501

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Solid carcinoma is a poorly characterized malignant apocrine neoplasm as only 16 cases have been published. OBJECTIVE: To characterize its clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features. METHODS: We compiled 14 cases of solid carcinoma and clinical information were updated. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed and we stained all the cases for CEA, EMA, SMA, PHLDA-1, BerP4, nestin, p53, p63, p75, CK5/6, CK7 and some with remaining material for CK14, 15, CK10, CK19, S100, CD117, and CAM5. RESULTS: All the lesions were located on the scalp. Histopathologically, all the cases were characterized by solid aggregates of neoplastic epithelial cells without nuclear atypia or mitotic figures involving all the dermis. All the cases presented perineural infiltration and most of them had cornified cystic structures. CK5/6 and p63 were positive. CEA and EMA underlined the scarce ducts. Ki67 was lower than 1%. BerEP4 and PHLDA-1 were negative. CONCLUSION: Solid carcinoma is a solid variant of MAC affecting the scalp more frequently than classic MAC, mostly in old males and showing variable-sized nests involving the entire dermis and composed by poroid, clear-cells, or a mixture of both. It is positive for p63 and CK5/6 and negative for BerEP4 and PHLDA-1. Staining features with CK19 and PHLDA1 differ from classic MAC.


Subject(s)
Adenoma , Carcinoma , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Skin Neoplasms , Adenoma/metabolism , Adenoma/pathology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma/metabolism , Carcinoma/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Middle Aged , Sex Factors , Skin Neoplasms/metabolism , Skin Neoplasms/pathology
15.
Cytopathology ; 29(1): 22-27, 2018 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28868787

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare histological type of breast cancer. The cytological diagnosis of non-keratinising, poorly differentiated SCC is often difficult, and distinguishing it from invasive ductal carcinoma or apocrine carcinoma (AC) is especially challenging. We aimed to define the diagnostic cytological features of poorly differentiated SCC of the breast. METHODS: We studied the cytological findings of poorly differentiated SCC (n=10) and compared them to those of IDC (n=15) and AC (n=14). The following six cytological features were evaluated: streaming arrangement, nucleolar enlargement, dense nuclei, cannibalism, atypical keratinocytes and necrotic background. RESULTS: SCC exhibited significantly higher frequencies of streaming arrangement (70% vs 6.7%, P=.002), nucleolar enlargement (80% vs 27%, P=.02), and necrotic background (80% vs 36%, P=.002) than invasive ductal carcinoma. The detection of two or three of these features yielded a higher sensitivity (80%) and specificity (93%) for the diagnosis of SCC. Streaming arrangement (70% vs 0%, P<.001), cannibalism (60% vs 0%, P=.002), and a necrotic background (80% vs 36%, P=.047) were all significantly more frequent in SCC than in AC. When distinguishing SCC from AC, the presence of two or three of these features yielded a high sensitivity (80%) and specificity (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Cytological features such as a streaming arrangement, a necrotic background, nucleolar enlargement and cannibalism are useful indicators for the diagnosis of SCC of the breast. As such, greater attention should be paid to these morphological features in daily clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Cell Differentiation , Cell Nucleolus/pathology , Female , Humans , Necrosis/pathology
17.
Med Mol Morphol ; 49(3): 170-6, 2016 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25374127

ABSTRACT

A 71-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a lump in her right breast. Mammography revealed an internal high-density mass in the lower right breast, which was larger than it was 2 years ago. Considering the findings from ultrasonography, computed tomography, and cytology, an intracystic carcinoma could not be ruled out. The patient underwent excisional biopsy, which revealed an apocrine ductal carcinoma in situ (ADCIS) with focal invasive apocrine carcinoma (IAC). The diagnosis was based on morphology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), which was negative for the estrogen and progesterone receptors, and positive for the androgen receptor. Expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) received an immunohistochemical score of 2+. Trisomy of chromosome 7, including multiple CEP 7 and EGFR signals, was observed in ADCIS by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). IAC exhibited similar results for IHC and FISH. This is the first reported case showing trisomy 7 resulting in EGFR copy number gain and increased EGFR expression in ADCIS.


Subject(s)
Apocrine Glands/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology , ErbB Receptors/metabolism , Trisomy , Aged , Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Mammography , Neoplasm Invasiveness
19.
Pathol Int ; 65(1): 19-26, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25516445

ABSTRACT

Apocrine carcinoma is categorized as a special type of breast carcinoma because of its specific morphological features. To clarify the characteristics of apocrine carcinoma from the point of view of the mitochondrial profile, we conducted a comparative study between apocrine and non-apocrine carcinomas. The expressions of mitochondrial related factors (PGC1α, Nrf1, Nrf2, mtTFA and COX4) were examined in a testing set of breast cancer tissue. Apocrine carcinomas showed a clear tendency towards higher mRNA expression levels of PGC1α than non-apocrine carcinomas. The expression of the selected factor, PGC1α, as well as that of p62 was further examined. The results revealed that apocrine carcinomas showed a higher immunohistochemical positivity rate for PGC1α (21.3% vs. 3.2%; P = 0.008), and that the mRNA expression level of PGC1α was significantly higher in apocrine carcinoma than in non-apocrine carcinoma (P = 0.007). The immunohistochemical positivity rate for p62 protein was also higher in apocrine carcinomas (44.7% vs. 21.0%; P = 0.015), although no significant difference in the p62 mRNA expression level was detected between the two types of carcinoma (P = 0.633). In conclusion, this study revealed that apocrine carcinoma overexpressed PGC1α contributing to mitochondrial biogenesis, and also p62 protein accumulation.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/biosynthesis , Sweat Gland Neoplasms/metabolism , Transcription Factors/biosynthesis , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Laser Capture Microdissection , Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Tissue Array Analysis , Transcriptome , Up-Regulation
20.
Cureus ; 16(4): e57789, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38721213

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy among women worldwide, including a wide range of histological subtypes, from typical expressions like invasive ductal carcinoma to less common variations like apocrine breast carcinoma. This document discusses the case of a 65-year-old female with apocrine breast cancer, who presented with a chronic mastodynia. This case highlights the importance of being aware of apocrine breast cancer.

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