Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is uncommon and it's debated the correct management of this disease. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-years-old woman presented with signs and symptoms of mastitis of left breast. A palpable well circumscribed and firm mass, measuring about 40 mm, was present in the left lower lateral quadrant. She underwent antibiotic therapy without benefit. She performed an ultrasound and mammographic scan of the left breast. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed an infiltrative poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Total body CT scan and bone scan excluded distant metastasis. Subsequently wide local excision of the left breast with ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes dissection was performed. The pathological examination revealed an infiltrative poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the breast. Adjuvant chemotherapy cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil based was administered. Patient refused locoregional radiotherapy. Twenty-eight months after surgery the patient was disease free. CONCLUSIONS: Pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare and aggressive disease often treatment-refractory. An optimal systemic treatment is needed to improve patient's outcome.