Non-metastatic exuberant breast carcinoma with direct cutaneous invasion: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Breast carcinoma represents, worldwide, one of the main causes of death from malig­nant neoplasms in women. It usually presents as an initial asymptomatic lesion and may progress to a palpable nodule throughout its evolution. Although uncommon, cases of cutaneous involvement by breast cancer usually occur through metastases. Even less frequent, there are also few reports of skin invasion by direct extension of the primary tumor. Case Report: In this report, we describe the case of an elderly woman with non-metastatic breast carcinoma with direct cutaneous invasion, highlighting the crucial role of evaluation by the Dermatology team for the correct diagnosis, and thus appropriate therapeutic management. Conclusion: Cutaneous involvement by direct extension of primary breast carcinoma can occur in approximately 6 - 10% of women with this neoplasm. It is usually classified as inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Although it is uncommon, cutaneous invasion by primary breast cancer should be considered as a differential diagnosis of tumor lesions in the breast, as in the case reported, in order to promote early diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy. Therefore, we highlight the fundamental role of a thorough dermatological evaluation for the correct diagnosis of breast cancer in this case.