Malignant myoepithelioma of the breast metastasizing to the jaw

Virchows Arch. 1999 Nov;435(5):520-3. doi: 10.1007/s004280050436.

Abstract

A breast tumor in a 52-year-old female was interpreted as a malignant myoepithelioma based on morphological and immunohistochemical studies. The tumor consisted of elongated cells with clear cytoplasm and lacked glandular components. The tumor cells were stained positively for keratin, S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and muscle-specific actin. Distant metastasis in the right jaw developed 8 years after the initial surgery and the metastatic deposit showed a similar morphology and immunoreactivity. Myoepithelial tumors are generally considered as benign or low-grade lesions and distant metastasis has been rarely documented. The present case presents the possibility of delayed occurrence of distant metastasis in myoepithelial tumor of the breast.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Jaw Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Jaw Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myoepithelioma / metabolism
  • Myoepithelioma / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor