Background and objectives
Metastasis to the breast from extra mammary sites is uncommon with an incidence ranging from 1.2 to 2 % in clinical reports. Approximately 300 cases of breast
metastasis from extra mammary sites have been reported, mostly in small series or as a single case report. Gastrointestinal
adenocarcinoma metastasising to the breast is also very rare and only 30 cases have been reported in the literature. Metastatic deposits within the breast may be difficult to distinguish from primary
breast carcinoma. Radiological features and immunohistochemistry especially for
steroid hormone receptors (ER/PR) and expression of gross cystic disease fluid
protein (GCDFP) and presence of other immunohistochemistry
protein factors in breast
metastasis which are specific to primary site may be helpful in differentiating these two conditions. Materials and methods In this series of 3 cases of breast as an unusual site of
metastasis, we present different cases of
adenocarcinoma of stomach, sigmoid colon and kidney with
metastasis to the breast and discuss the differential diagnosis and management plans. Conclusion In conclusion, secondary
tumors to the breast are rare and thus differentiating primary
tumors from metastatic
breast carcinoma is important for rational and optimum
therapy and avoidance of unnecessary radical surgery. Palpable breast lump without typical radiological signs of primary
breast carcinoma in patients with known primary should be suspected of representing
metastasis.