Ovarian cancer metastasis to the breast 18 years after the initial diagnosis: A case report

RATIONALE: Ovarian cancer often metastasizes, but it is unusual to transfer to the breast as an isolated mass. In particular, it is rare for patients to have breast metastases after 18 years of diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Therefore, accurate identification of ovarian cancer mammary gland metastasis can contribute to the treatment of the disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: This case report shows that an 82-year-old woman was diagnosed with breast metastases from ovarian cancer diagnosed 18 years ago. The patient underwent total uterine attachment, omentum, pelvic lymphadenectomy, pelvic floor tumor reduction, and chemotherapy 18 years ago. DIAGNOSIS: The pathological examination revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining results were negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal receptor-2 (Her-2), and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1); and positive for cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, CK7, and CA125. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy because of breast mass in November, 2018. OUTCOMES: Currently, she has been followed for more than 1 month without any signs of recurrence. LESSONS: Breast metastatic tumors should be distinguished from primary breast tumors to avoid any unnecessary surgery. The correct diagnosis is very important: surgical treatment of patients with secondary breast cancer may be diagnostic and palliative.