Medullary breast carcinoma

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Medullary breast carcinoma
Synonyms	Medullary carcinoma of the breast
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge
Complications	Metastasis, recurrence
Onset	Typically in middle-aged women
Duration	Variable
Types	Invasive breast cancer
Causes	Unknown, but associated with BRCA1 mutations
Risks	Family history, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis	Mammography, ultrasound, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma
Prevention	Genetic counseling, regular screening
Treatment	Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally favorable compared to other types of breast cancer
Frequency	Rare, accounting for 3-5% of all breast cancers
Deaths	N/A

Histopathology of medullary breast carcinoma

Medullary breast carcinoma is a rare subtype of invasive breast cancer that accounts for approximately 3-5% of all breast cancer cases. It is characterized by the presence of distinct histological features and a relatively better prognosis compared to other types of breast cancer.

Symptoms

Patients with medullary breast carcinoma may present with a palpable breast lump, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, or skin changes such as redness or dimpling. However, some cases may be asymptomatic and detected through routine screening mammograms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of medullary breast carcinoma is typically confirmed through a combination of imaging studies such as mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as a biopsy of the breast tissue. Histologically, medullary breast carcinoma is characterized by the presence of well-defined borders, high-grade tumor cells with prominent lymphocytic infiltrate, and syncytial growth pattern.

Treatment

The treatment approach for medullary breast carcinoma may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Surgical options include lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending on the size and extent of the tumor. Chemotherapy regimens may be tailored based on the individual's tumor characteristics, and targeted therapies such as HER2 inhibitors may be considered for specific subtypes.

Prognosis

Overall, medullary breast carcinoma has a more favorable prognosis compared to other types of breast cancer. The 5-year survival rate for patients with medullary breast carcinoma is estimated to be around 85-90%. However, the prognosis may vary depending on factors such as tumor size, grade, lymph node involvement, and hormone receptor status.

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