Malignant adenomyoepithelioma of the breast with axillary lymph node metastasis: a case report and review of the literature

We meticulously described the clinical symptoms, signs, and imaging characteristics of both the primary lesion of malignant adenomyoepithelioma of the breast and its axillary metastasis in the patient. Through a comparison of the pathologic features between the primary breast lesion and the axillary metastatic lymph nodes, we found a certain degree of consistency in terms of microscopic pathologic features and immunohistochemical molecular expression. Furthermore, we conducted an extensive review of the literature on breast malignant adenomyoepithelioma over the past decade. By summarizing the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and prognosis of the patients, we found that patients with breast malignant adenomyoepithelioma have a certain risk of recurrence and metastasis. Notably, even when the clinical examination of axillary lymph nodes yields negative results and imaging shows no enlargement, a more assertive surgical approach may still be necessary. Specifically, a sentinel lymph node biopsy, despite the potential for false-negative outcomes, could be advantageous for the patient's prognosis by enabling early determination of the need for axillary lymph node dissection.