Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast : a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common histopathology in many epithelial cancers such as skin, head and neck, esophagus and cervix. But primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast is rare. This is a report case of a 56 year old female with diagnosis of recurrent SCC of right breast. Four histopathology reports confi rmed SCC of the breast from initial diagnosis to recurrent of disease. The patient was treated with right modifi ed radical mastectomy without adjuvant treatment. Nine months later chest wall recurrent occur and radiation therapy at chest wall was given. The patient refused chemotherapy. One year examination found only abscess at chest wall and antibiotics were prescribed. Three months later shallow ulceration noted within radiation fi eld and the patient was sent to surgical department for biopsy but the patient loss follow up. Contact letter from referred hospital confi rmed the patient died one year later because of uncontrolled infection at chest wall. For SCC of the breast, mammography gives no specifi c fi nding but ultrasonography may shows cystic lesion with content or infl ammation process. Tumors are predominantly hormonal negative. Surgery is the major treatment. Radiosensitivity of SCC of the breast is uncertain. SCC of the breast is aggressive and poor response to treatment. The literatures are review.