Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells in A Metaplasic Carcinoma of the Breast. A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Metaplasic carcinomas of the breast are tumors characterized by presenting a double epithelial and mesenquimal component. Carcinoma of the breast containing osteoclast-like giant cells is uncommon and described in less than 2% of breast cancer patients. The stromal origin of the giant cells is unknown and the prognostic is poor. CASE REPORT: We are presenting the case of an eighty three years old feminine patient who presented a big tumor in the left breast with skin ulceration. She underwent to radical modified mastectomy. Microscopic examination showed multifocal breast carcinoma. The major lesion was informed as metaplasic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells, and the minor lession was an infiltrating ductal carcinoma with papillary and fusiform component. DISCUSSION: From 2005 to 2012, a total of 700 patients underwent to breast surgery in our service. 20% had benignant pathology and 80 % malignant, of wich this is the first case of metaplasic carcinoma of the breast containing osteoclast-like giant cells. Osteoclast-like giant cells are rare in breast cancer and inmunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies suggest a stromal histiocityc origin or terminally differentiated from macrophages. The prognostic is poor.