Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: A retrospective study

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast is an extremely rare tumor with vague natural behavior and treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinicopathological features and treatment results of this rare type of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The medical files of patients with SCC of the breast presented to Alexandria Main University Hospital during the period from January 1990 to January 2010 were retrospectively reviewed, regarding clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcome and analyzed. Results: A total of 17 patients were included in this analysis. The median age was 50 years. All patients presented with breast mass. The majority of tumors (88.2%) was negative for hormone receptors. Two-thirds of patients had early T-stage. All patients underwent surgery in our center. Adjuvant tamoxifen was given for two patients. Twelve patients (70.6%) received different adjuvant chemotherapy protocols, and eight patients received radiotherapy. The median disease-free survival was 24 months, and the median overall survival was 40 months. Patients received adjuvant chemotherapy had a statistically significant better disease-free survival (P = 0.014) and overall survival (P = 0.019) compared to patients treated without chemotherapy. Radiotherapy had no significant impact on either disease-free survival or overall survival. Conclusions: SCC of the breast is a very aggressive tumor, and adjuvant chemotherapy should be strongly considered.