Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mammographic,
sonographic and MRI findings of metaplastic breast carcinoma.
Methods:
In this retrospective review study, we analyzed the medical files of 9600 patients who
were treated for invasive breast cancers. Clinical information, histopathologic and radiologic findings
of 65 patients were included in this study. All existing radiologic images and medical reports
were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-three patients had MG, 58 patients had US and 7 patients had
MRI imaging results.
Results:
Mammographically, the most frequent presentations of MPBC were round shape, microlobulated
margin and high density masses. Calcifications with or without masses were not a frequent
finding. The most common sonographic findings were round shape, partially indistinct angular
margin, hypoechoic and heterogeneous echo patterns and no posterior feature masses. All lesions
were presented as masses rather than non-mass enhancements on magnetic resonance imaging.
Features of masses had more malignant feature on MRI than other modalities in all 7 patients.
Conclusion:
Metaplastic breast carcinoma is one of the rarest poorly differentiated invasive breast
carcinomas. Interestingly, these aggressive tumors demonstrate benign or moderately malign features
on imaging methods. This appearance of MPBC can cause it to be misdiagnosed as a benign
breast lesion especially in young women. MPBC should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis
of large palpable breast masses. Therefore, follow-up at short intervals and/or multimodality
imaging studies which include breast MRI are important for the diagnosis of MPBC.
Diagnostic utility of snail in metaplastic breast carcinoma
