Primary Synovial Sarcoma of the Breast Initially Mimicking Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Case Report

Primary synovial sarcoma of the breast is an extremely rare malignancy, representing less than 1% of breast tumors. Its clinical presentation can mimic other spindle cell neoplasms, including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), making diagnosis challenging. We report the case of a 60-year-old postmenopausal woman presenting with a firm, mobile 10 cm mass in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, classified on imaging as breast ımaging reporting and data System 4. A core needle biopsy initially suggested DFSP because of strong CD34 positivity. A simple mastectomy revealed a highly cellular, spindle-cell tumor arranged in fascicles, forming a characteristic whorled pattern. Immunohistochemistry showed CD34 negativity, transducin-like enhancer of split 1 positivity, B-cell lymphoma 2 positivity, and focal epithelial membrane antigen positivity. Molecular analysis confirmed SYT-SSX1 fusion, establishing the diagnosis of monophasic synovial sarcoma. Surgical margins were negative, and one-year follow-up showed that the patient remained disease-free. This case highlights the importance of immunohistochemistry and molecular testing for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
European Journal of Breast Health
Published
2026-04-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4274/ejbh.galenos.2026.2025-10-6
Primary Topic
Breast Lesions and Carcinomas
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Primary Synovial Sarcoma of the Breast Initially Mimicking Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Case Report

Yosra Fejji, Ines Mkhinini, Salwa Mejri, Ridha Fatnassi et al.
European Journal of Breast Health
Breast Lesions and Carcinomas
article

Primary Synovial Sarcoma of the Breast Initially Mimicking Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Case Report

Yosra Fejji, Ines Mkhinini, Salwa Mejri, Ridha Fatnassi, Samar Knaz, Amira Ounissi, Hammadi Jawaher, Chayma Selmi, Nour Rouis, Rania Boukadida
article en

Abstract

Primary synovial sarcoma of the breast is an extremely rare malignancy, representing less than 1% of breast tumors. Its clinical presentation can mimic other spindle cell neoplasms, including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), making diagnosis challenging. We report the case of a 60-year-old postmenopausal woman presenting with a firm, mobile 10 cm mass in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, classified on imaging as breast ımaging reporting and data System 4. A core needle biopsy initially suggested DFSP because of strong CD34 positivity. A simple mastectomy revealed a highly cellular, spindle-cell tumor arranged in fascicles, forming a characteristic whorled pattern. Immunohistochemistry showed CD34 negativity, transducin-like enhancer of split 1 positivity, B-cell lymphoma 2 positivity, and focal epithelial membrane antigen positivity. Molecular analysis confirmed SYT-SSX1 fusion, establishing the diagnosis of monophasic synovial sarcoma. Surgical margins were negative, and one-year follow-up showed that the patient remained disease-free. This case highlights the importance of immunohistochemistry and molecular testing for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

European Journal of Breast Health
University of Sousse (TN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Breast Lesions and Carcinomas
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.