An Exceptional Primary Breast Tumor: A Report of Two Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma Cases

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the breast (BMCA) is an exceptionally rare malignant tumor. Histologically, BMCA features cystic structures lined with tall columnar cells rich in intracytoplasmic and extracellular mucin, resembling mucinous cystadenocarcinomas of the ovary, pancreas, and appendix. Typically triple-negative for hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), BMCA paradoxically demonstrates a better prognosis compared to other triple-negative breast cancers. Diagnosis requires exclusion of metastatic mucinous carcinomas from other primary sites and differentiation from other mucin-producing breast tumors through a combination of clinical, radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. We present two cases illustrating the variable histological features and hormone receptor status of BMCA, emphasizing differential diagnosis challenges. Given its rarity, further studies are necessary to better clarify the molecular pathogenesis of BMCA, guiding optimal management strategies.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-10-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.95280
Primary Topic
Digestive system and related health
Type
article
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article

An Exceptional Primary Breast Tumor: A Report of Two Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma Cases

Basma Elkhannoussi, Mouna Khmou, Youssef Mahdi, Leila Benbella et al.
Cureus
Digestive system and related health
article

An Exceptional Primary Breast Tumor: A Report of Two Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma Cases

Basma Elkhannoussi, Mouna Khmou, Youssef Mahdi, Leila Benbella, Saad Assila
article en

Abstract

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the breast (BMCA) is an exceptionally rare malignant tumor. Histologically, BMCA features cystic structures lined with tall columnar cells rich in intracytoplasmic and extracellular mucin, resembling mucinous cystadenocarcinomas of the ovary, pancreas, and appendix. Typically triple-negative for hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), BMCA paradoxically demonstrates a better prognosis compared to other triple-negative breast cancers. Diagnosis requires exclusion of metastatic mucinous carcinomas from other primary sites and differentiation from other mucin-producing breast tumors through a combination of clinical, radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. We present two cases illustrating the variable histological features and hormone receptor status of BMCA, emphasizing differential diagnosis challenges. Given its rarity, further studies are necessary to better clarify the molecular pathogenesis of BMCA, guiding optimal management strategies.

CureusVol. 17(10)
Mohammed V University (MA), Military Hospital (PK), Hôpital Ibn Sina-Rabat (MA), Ibn Sina Hospital (KW), Hôpital Militaire Moulay Ismail (MA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 67%
Digestive system and related health
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An Exceptional Primary Breast Tumor: A Report of Two Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma Cases — Basma Elkhannoussi, Mouna Khmou, et al. · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS