Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of breast: a rare case report

Abstract

Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) of breast was an unknown pathologic entity till recently due its rare incidence and lack of definitive criteria for diagnosis. We present a case of PNEC of breast in a middle aged lady. A 34 years lady presented with a breast lump since 1 month, who underwent modified radical mastectomy with axillary clearance. Histopathological diagnoses were infiltrating ductal carcinoma‑neuroendocrine (NE) type. Immunohistochemistry showed estrogen, progesterone positivity and NE markers positivity in more than 50% of tumor cells for chromogranin, synaptophysin, neuron specific enolase. On further investigation by whole body computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no extra mammary primary tumor. Hence the diagnosis of PNEC of breast was confirmed. Patient received chemo and hormonal therapy and doing well after 6 months of follow up.

Keywords: Breast carcinoma, Immunohistochemistry, Neuroendocrine tumour