Invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast with osteoclast-like giant cells and clear cell features: a case report of a novel finding and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Osteoclast-like giant cells (OLGCs) are a rare histologic finding within a tumor of the breast. Although there has been discussion as to the pathogenesis and prognosis related to this finding, our understanding of its significance remains inconclusive. Clear cells are another unique histologic finding in breast tumors and are typically associated with tumors arising in other organs such as renal cell carcinoma. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case report of a 64-year-old female who presented with one tumor identified as invasive ductal carcinoma with a combination of OLGCs and clear cell features. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this combination of findings has not been previously described in the literature and therefore represents another morphologic manifestation of breast carcinoma. As patients are diagnosed earlier and live longer, a growing number of these rare variants may be recognized and provide opportunities to further our understanding of the associated molecular pathways which could contribute to the possibility of therapeutic intervention.