Breast metastases from cutaneous malignant melanoma

Multimodality imaging review of metastatic melanoma involving the breast

Melanoma is among the most commonly reported non-mammary primary tumors to metastasize to the breast. Unfortunately, evidence of melanoma metastasis to any site portends a poor prognosis. Imaging studies can be useful in the early detection of metastatic melanoma which is essential for appropriate management of this disease. There have been very few previous studies on the imaging findings of metastatic melanoma especially across multiple imaging modalities. This review aims to describe these imaging features seen on mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) using three case examples. Our findings, consistent with previous studies, describe melanoma metastases to the breast as largely non-specific, round or oval masses with circumscribed margins and homogeneous internal enhancement.

Rare Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Breast Presenting as a Solitary Breast Mass in a 43-Year-Old Male

Primary malignant melanoma of the breast (PMMB) is an extremely rare lesion that carries a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the patient's medical history, clinical presentation, and histopathology considering this diagnosis. The rarity of this lesion has made it difficult to identify classic presentations or specific treatment guidelines. Staining for specific biomarkers can be helpful for diagnosis in the absence of melanin pigment on histology. Additional molecular studies to determine gene status can also be useful for targeted immunotherapy and increased survival time for patients. In this paper, we introduce a rare case of PMMB without skin involvement presenting as a solitary breast mass in a male and explore the radiology, histology, evaluation, and treatment options.

A Spectrum of Metastases to the Breast: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Metastases to the breast from non-mammary origin are rare. The majority of these lesions appear as secondary manifestations of melanoma and lymphoma, followed by lung carcinomas, gynecological carcinomas, and sarcomas. There has been a steady trend of an increase in diagnosis of intramammary metastases owing to the current advances in imaging technology. Imaging features depend on the type of primary neoplasm and route of dissemination, some of which resemble primary breast cancer and benign breast entities. There are certain imaging features that raise the level of suspicion for metastases in the correct clinical context. However, imaging manifestations of intramammary metastases do not always comply with the known classic patterns. The aim of this review is to clarify these features, emphasizing radiologic-pathologic correlation and a multidisciplinary approach, since most cases are found in patients with advanced disease.

Breast Metastasis of a Completely Regressed Cutaneous Melanoma – Case Report and Review of Literature

Spontaneous regression of cutaneous melanoma represents a more frequent circumstance in tumors with intense MelanA immunoprofile. Melanoma-derived breast metastases are uncommon and have been predominantly reported in premenopause, as an indicator for widespread disease. We report the case of a 60-year-old female patient, who presented to the surgical department after auto-palpation of a left mammary mass. Digital mammography indicated malignant characteristics, also objectified in the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes. The microscopical examination and immunohistochemical profile revealed left nodal and upper-outer mammary quadrant metastases of a BRAF-positive achromic melanoma. The clinical and dermoscopic evaluation confirmed the complete regression of the malignant melanocytic lesion, localised at the level of the right inframammary fold. The upper-outer breast quadrant designates the main site of primary tumors (66%), as well as metastases of other malignancies (50%), due to its well-represented vascularisation and glandular tissue. Dermoscopic characteristics of regressed melanoma comprise scar-like depigmentation and polymorphous vessels (irregular linear and globular). The particularities of this case include the age > 40 years old, survival under therapy with Vemurafenib superior to that cited in the literature (24 months to this date), the involvement of the contralateral lymph nodes in relation to the skin lesion and the inverse diagnostic approach – from pathologist to dermatologist. Completely regressed achromic melanoma, identified through diagnostic techniques performed on clinically apparent loco-regional and distant metastases, represents a rare dermato-oncological entity, with controversial implications regarding the prognosis and survival, that requires future histopathological and dermoscopic homogenization.

Recurrent malignant melanoma presenting as multiple bilateral breast masses: A case report

Malignant melanoma is a tumor that originates from melanocytes. Melanoma commonly metastasizes to the lungs, brain, or any other solid organ. Herein, we describe the case of a 69-year-old woman with a previous history of cutaneous melanoma who presented with a newly developed palpable breast mass. Subsequent imaging findings and histopathologic examination results of biopsy specimens revealed bilateral breast masses consistent with malignant melanoma. Most breast malignancies originate from a primary breast cancer tissue. This case highlights the importance and implications of obtaining a complete medical history when evaluating the possible outcomes of malignant melanoma.

Metastatic melanoma presenting as a breast mass - role of radiologist as a clinician

Breast tissue can be the host of not only many benign and malignant tumors but can also be a metastatic site for various tumors such as leukemia, lung cancer, and melanoma. This report describes an unusual case of a 43-year-old female who presented with a new palpable breast lump and several similar extramammary lumps on her skin. A melanoma panel, consisting of S100, HMB45, and Melan-A stains, was included in the pathology evaluation due to diagnostic suspicion of the radiologist and revealed metastatic melanoma. This case highlights the importance of detailed history and relevant physical exam as well as clinical and imaging correlation. It serves as a reminder to radiologists to include metastatic melanoma in the differential of suspicious subcutaneous breast masses, especially in patients with multiple subcutaneous lumps in the body or abnormal skin findings.

Malignant melanoma of the breast: controversies in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of a rare nosologic entity

Melanoma of the breast is an infrequent entity, presenting as either primary or metastatic from extramammary solid neoplasms. Depending on the involvement of the skin, primary malignant melanoma of the breast (PMMB) can be classified as cutaneous or noncutaneous. Cutaneous PMMB accounts for <5% of all melanomas and only 0.5% of all breast cancers. Furthermore, despite the rarity of metastatic breast neoplasms, melanoma comprises a frequent source of metastases. Metastatic potential of melanoma is associated with poor prognosis, and the majority of patients present more than one metastatic foci at the time of diagnosis. Diagnostic approach for both primary and metastatic melanomas of the breast is substantiated by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology along with immunohistochemistry. Nevertheless, verification of a metastatic mammary melanoma requires the discovery of a primary lesion. The mainstay of treatment for primary tumors is surgery, with radical local excision and axillary lymph node dissection or, on occasion, axillary sentinel node resection, while for metastatic tumors it depends on the specificities of the melanoma. Adjuvant therapy is always implemented. The aim of this survey is to meticulously review the literature of primary and metastatic malignant melanomas of the breast and report epidemiologic and clinicopathologic data for this rare entity. Clinical features, histogenesis, morphological, and immunochemical findings are discussed, while the role of current diagnostic and therapeutic management of this uncommon entity is emphasized.

Breast Metastasis from Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma Mimicking a Breast Cancer

Introduction

Breast metastases are very uncommon, either from solid tumors or malignant melanoma.

Case report

We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with a history of cutaneous melanoma of the shoulder excised 21 years ago. She presented with a palpable lump in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. Ultrasound demonstrated a solid mass within a cystic lesion. A core biopsy was taken and first histology reported a poorly differentiated primary breast cancer suspected to be triple negative. MRI detected a satellite lesion in the same breast, a focus of suspected enhancement in the other breast, and the extramammary finding of an enhancing pulmonary lesion. Staging computed tomography detected widespread metastases to the lungs, brain, subcutaneous left shoulder, liver, pancreas, and hepatorenal recess. A core biopsy was taken from the left breast lesion and the previous slides were reviewed; histopathology and immunohistochemistry were in keeping with metastasis from melanoma.

Conclusions

The possibility of a metastatic lesion to the breast should be taken into account in any patient presenting with a breast lump and a previous history of melanoma. Breast involvement cannot be considered an isolated finding, as it might be the first manifestation of widespread disease.

Indoor Tanning, Skin Cancer and the Young Female Patient: A Review of the Literature

Young, non-Hispanic white females represent the population most likely to use indoor tanning facilities. This population may be at increased risk of skin cancer as recent meta-analyses support a strong association between cutaneous malignancy and indoor tanning. Public perception of the purported health benefits of indoor tanning may be partially to blame for the popularity of tanning salons as a desire to prepare skin prior to sun exposure is among the most commonly cited motivations for indoor tanning. Improving education and counseling to address misconceptions regarding tanning safety will require the participation of healthcare providers for both physical and psychological screenings as well as for information dissemination. This review presents the association between tanning bed use and skin cancer, biological effects of UV radiation exposure, UV burden associated with tanning devices, public perception of tanning, demographic and psychological profile of indoor tanners, and current legislation regulating tanning bed use.

Conjonctival melanoma metastatic to the breast: a case report

Background

Breast metastasis is fairly uncommon and prognosis is dismal. Breast metastasis might be the first symptom or may occur during the course of other malignancies dominantly arising from the contralateral breast. Leukemia, lung cancer and conjunctival melanoma may spread to the breast.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old female patient was operated on for conjunctival melanoma. After two years the disease progressed quickly and cutaneous nodes appeared on the back and paraumbilical region. Physical and radiological examination showed a breast mass. No palpable lymph’s nodes were noted. She underwent an open biopsy. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed breast metastases from melanoma. During post-operative staging multiple nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal lesions were also objective. The patient was given palliative dacarbazine (250 mg/m² per day for 4 days) for 4 cycles. She died 4 months after the diagnosis of breast metastases.

Conclusion

Histopathological evaluation should be mandatory in patients with medical history of malignancies in order to differentiate new primary tumors, metastases, and benign tumors.

Breast metastasis from esophagogastric junction cancer: a case report

Metastasis to breast from nonmammary malignancy is only about 1.3–2.7%. A few cases of squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus and adenocarcinoma of stomach metastasizing to breast have been reported, but this is probably the first report of breast metastasis from esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer in the English literature. Herein we report a case of a 32-year-old patient diagnosed as adenocarcinoma of gastroesophageal junction, presenting with left breast metastasis two years after treatment. Given unusual site of metastasis in a follow-up case of EGJ cancer, not only it is challenging to differentiate it from primary carcinoma of breast but also it is important from treatment point of view. In our case, clinical data, radiology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) led us to reach the diagnosis.

Metastatic breast disease from cutaneous malignant melanoma

INTRODUCTION

Malignant melanoma is one of the most rapidly increasing cancer in the world. Breast metastases from melanoma are uncommon but could reflect a widespread disease.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of malignant widespread melanoma presenting with bilateral breast nodules in a 39 year-old pre-menopausal Caucasian woman with an history of cutaneous melanoma of the trunk. Breast clinical examination revealed the presence of a hard and mobile lump located on the left breast. Ultrasound detected two bilateral nodules corresponding to oval opacities with well-defined edges and without calcifications or architectural distortion on mammography. Fine needle aspiration cytology performed on both breast nodules confirmed that the breast lesions were metastases from primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. A total-body CT examination detected brain, lung and abdominal lymph nodes metastases.

DISCUSSION

The breast represents an uncommon site of metastatic disease from extra-mammary tumors. Imaging features of breast metastases from melanoma usually do not allow a differential diagnosis with breast primary tumors. Breast metastases may be asymptomatic or palpable as dense and well-circumscribed nodules. Breast metastases indicate a widespread disease and should lead to avoid aggressive surgical procedures because of the poor prognosis of patients affected by metastatic melanoma.

CONCLUSION

The detection of bilateral breast metastases from melanoma is highly suggestive of metastatic multi-organ disease and could be useful to address the therapeutic approach.

Primary cutaneous malignant melanoma of the breast

Cutaneous malignant melanoma of the breast can be divided into two categories: primary and metastatic lesions. Cutaneous malignant melanoma of the breast is a rare tumor, accounting for less than 5% of all malignant melanomas. Clinical features and diagnostic methods of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma of the breast are similar to those arising from other cutaneous areas. Treatment of choice is wide local excision with adequate resection margin according to tumor thickness. Sentinel lymph node biopsy should be performed because the presence of lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor. There have been only limited reports involving primary cutaneous malignant melanoma of the breast. Thus, we report a case of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma in a 59-year-old woman with a review of the recent literature.

Metastases to breast from primary lung cancer

Metastatic disease to the breast from extra mammary sites is uncommon and has an incidence of 0.5 to 3%. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis as this has an impact on the therapeutic planning and management. Clinically, it can be difficult to differentiate between primary breast cancer and a metastatic disease. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to unnecessary surgical interventions. Immunohistochemistry has a significant role in identifying the primary origin of tumor and has to be considered in the presence of unusual cytologic patterns. We report three cases of metastatic disease to breast from primary lung tumors. The cases demonstrate the difficulties encountered in the diagnosis and the impact on the management of these patients.

Metastatic tumors in the breast: a report of 5 cases and review of the literature

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. However, metastases to the breast from nonmammary malignant neoplasms are rare and were detected at a rate of 0.28% in our series. Clinical and pathologic findings in 5 cases of metastatic tumors (malign mesenchymal tumor, squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Sézary syndrome) in the breast are presented and discussed with respect to the literature. Detailed clinical history and a multidisciplinary approach are useful in establishing correct diagnosis and preventing unnecessary radical surgery.

Metastatic melanoma in the breast: A report of 27 cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Malignant melanoma is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the world. Metastatic disease occurs in 20% of patients. Metastases to the breast are rare. Melanoma is, however, among the most commonly reported primary tumors to metastasize to the breast. With the increasing incidence of melanoma, this complication is being encountered with greater frequency.

METHODS

A retrospective case review of our melanoma registry to find all patients with melanoma metastatic to the breast for the period from 1975 to 2005.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were found to have breast metastases from melanoma during this period. Twenty were premenopausal females (70%) with a mean age of 41.4 years. Most patients had primary lesions on the upper body (82.6%). Four patients had a lower extremity primary. The median interval between diagnosis of the primary and breast involvement was 52.5 month. Five patients had bilateral breast involvement, and all had other sites of metastases. The median survival after diagnosis of breast metastases was 12.9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Metastases to the breast from melanoma are uncommon but should be suspected in patients with a breast mass and a prior history of melanoma even years after a primary has been removed.