Breast Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Discovered by Lymph Node and Osteomedullary Metastasis: A Case Report

This case highlights a rare presentation of small cell mammary neuroendocrine carcinoma in a young woman, with metastatic spread to the spinal cord. Such a presentation is exceptionally uncommon, particularly in this demographic, and underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with neuroendocrine tumors outside typical locations. Reporting this case adds to the limited literature on mammary neuroendocrine carcinoma with spinal metastasis and may guide early identification in similar cases. We report A 20-year-old female patient 3 with persistent lower back pain over three months. Clinical examination revealed cervical lymphadenopathy and bilateral breast masses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a spinal tumor infiltration. A biopsy of the cervical lymph nodes, followed by immunohistochemical analysis, confirmed the diagnosis of small cell mammary neuroendocrine carcinoma. Chemotherapy was chosen as the primary therapeutic approach, given the tumor’s aggressiveness and advanced stage at diagnosis. This case underscores the importance of considering neuroendocrine carcinoma as a differential diagnosis for young patients presenting with atypical tumor localizations, such as bilateral breast masses and spinal metastasis. The case highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and managing rare tumors and demonstrates the potential impact of prompt recognition and treatment to improve outcomes.