Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the breast shares cytogenetic abnormality with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland: a case report with molecular analysis and review of the literature

Hum Pathol. 2009 Jun;40(6):887-92. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2008.11.004. Epub 2009 Feb 5.

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the breast is a rare entity with specific morphologic and immunohistochemical features similar to its salivary gland counterpart. In the 28 reported cases to date, there has not been a comparison of the molecular characteristics of this tumor with salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Herein, a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the breast with a molecular alteration similar to its salivary gland counterpart is reported. A lymph node metastasis was identified despite a predominantly in situ component and foci of microinvasion. The morphologic, immunohistochemical, prognostic, and molecular features are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / pathology*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Proteins / analysis
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / genetics
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors / analysis

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • MAML2 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors