Acinic cell carcinoma of the breast: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

Virchows Arch. 2000 Jul;437(1):74-81. doi: 10.1007/s004280000206.

Abstract

The clinicopathological features of six cases of breast carcinomas showing features of acinic cell differentiation, which are similar to those seen in homologous tumors of salivary glands, are presented. The patients, all women, were 35-80 years of age. One case recurred after 4 years, and in two cases axillary lymph node metastases were found at the time of surgery. Histologically the tumors showed a microglandular pattern merging with solid areas. Cytologically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally the tumors were very similar to cases of acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland. The differential diagnostic criteria with microglandular adenosis and carcinomas showing granular cytoplasm are discussed. It seems that acinic cell carcinomas of the breast have to be added to the long list of tumors that affect the salivary glands and can also arise in the breast.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amylases / analysis
  • Axilla
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Breast Neoplasms / ultrastructure*
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / chemistry*
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / ultrastructure*
  • Cytoplasm / pathology
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucin-1 / analysis
  • Muramidase / analysis
  • S100 Proteins / analysis
  • alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin / analysis

Substances

  • Mucin-1
  • S100 Proteins
  • alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin
  • Amylases
  • Muramidase