Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: An Approach to Medical and Surgical Management

Primary small cell carcinoma of the breast (PSCCB) is a rare and aggressive tumor. Due to the small number of PSCCB cases, there are no established treatment protocols. We report a case of a 55-year-old perimenopausal woman who presented with a palpable left breast mass. A breast mass biopsy was performed, and pathology was consistent with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma. Imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) excluded metastatic disease. Due to recurrent positive margins, the patient underwent two lumpectomies and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in between procedures. She ultimately underwent a left mastectomy and received postoperative radiation therapy. This case report aims to highlight the challenges that ensue following a diagnosis of PSCCB and underscores the need for creating a standardized treatment model for these vulnerable patients.