open access - Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports - Metastatic ovarian papillary serous carcinoma to the breast: Diagnosis and pitfalls

Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports - Metastatic ovarian papillary serous carcinoma to the breast: Diagnosis and pitfalls

Introduction

Breast metastases from ovarian carcinoma (OC) have scarcely been reported. Morphologic and radiographic similarities between primary breast cancers (BC), and high grade papillary serous (PS) OC make distinguishing between the two diagnoses challenging, yet carry important consequences for treatment and prognosis. Herein, we describe a patient with a metastatic OC presenting with a palpable breast mass and discuss the utility of immunohistochemistry for distinguishing between OC and BC.

 Summary

Although relatively uncommon, metastatic tumors to the breast should be appreciated so that a secondary malignancy from rare sites (e.g., ovary), is not overlooked. Accurate diagnosis of these metastases is important because the prognosis and therapies differ dramatically. While the clinical history and morphology can help distinguish between primary and metastatic BC, immunohistochemistry is essential when the diagnosis is still vague. PAX8 seems to be important in differentiating OC from BC. We recommend evaluating PAX8 immunohistochemistry when metastatic OC is suspected.