Breast Metastasis from Primary Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Occurrence with Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment Implications
Keywords:
Breast metastasis, lung cancer, core biopsy, EGFR mutationAbstract
Breast metastasis from non-mammary sites is a rare occurrence with a prevalence ranging from 0.5 to 3%. Accurate diagnosis is crucial as it influences treatment planning and management. Distinguishing primary breast cancer from metastatic disease can be challenging, and an incorrect diagnosis can result in unnecessary surgical interventions. Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in identifying the primary tumor origin, especially when cytological patterns appear atypical. Here we present a case of a 53-year-old female patient with breast metastases from a primary lung adenocarcinoma. Pathology from the lung biopsy revealed a well to moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation. Immunohistochemical analysis using specific markers such as TTF-1 and GATA-3 was instrumental in determining the malignant cell origin and formulating a treatment plan. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis, thorough investigation and the role of immunohistochemical markers in managing this rare occurrence.
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