Secondary Breast Cancers

Published Date: 19th July 2016

Publication Authors: Kulkarni T, , Jois RHS, Harris O, Thind R

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Background: 

Occurrence of metastatic disease to breast (secondary breast cancer) in both women and men is rare, constituting 0.5-6% of breast malignancy. In addition to systematic history taking and clinical examination, early diagnosis of secondary breast cancer demands vigilance by radiologists to distinguish subtle disparities between much commoner primary breast cancers and rarer secondary cancers on various imaging modalities. Metastases to breast usually indicate disseminated disease and thereby poor prognosis. Early confirmation of the metastatic nature of breast lesions is crucial to guide completely different therapeutic options available to these patients.  

Method: 

We present a pictorial review of secondary breast cancers encountered in our tertiary setup situated in a socially deprived area of the UK. The imaging appearances of various secondary breast malignancies diagnosed in our institute are described, correlating the findings with cytology and histology. The classic appearance of primary breast lesions is compared with that of secondary cancers. Relatively common and some unusual secondary breast cancers from the literature are described with emphasis on their characteristic imaging manifestations. The role of newer and emerging diagnostic modalities in the analysis of metastatic breast cancer is discussed and common pitfalls are highlighted.  

Conclusion: 

Virtually any malignancy can metastasize to breasts. Awareness of secondary breast cancers and familiarity of the imaging appearances of these lesions together with early recourse to accurate cytohistologic confirmation is vital to guide appropriate treatment in this small group of patients.

Kulkarni, T; Aurangabadkar, A; Jois, R; Harris, O; Thind, R. (2011).  Pictorial review of secondary breast cancers: a diagnosis to remember . Cancer imaging. 11 (A), S184-5.

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