Metaplastic mammary carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells: identical point mutation of p53 gene only identified in both the intraductal and sarcomatous components

Virchows Arch. 2004 Feb;444(2):194-7. doi: 10.1007/s00428-003-0953-5.

Abstract

Metaplastic mammary carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells is a rare neoplasm, and the histogenesis of this tumor remains controversial. A case of metaplastic mammary carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells in a 72-year-old woman is reported with p53 mutational analysis. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of a dominant sarcomatous stromal component containing osteoclast-like giant cells and a minor component of intraductal carcinoma. Immunostaining for p53 revealed strong positivity in both intraductal and sarcomatous components, but not in osteoclast-like giant cells. Mutational analysis of the p53 gene disclosed an identical point mutation in both intraductal and sarcomatous components, but not in osteoclast-like giant cells, indicating that both components share the same progenitor cells, and osteoclast-like giant cells represent a reactive infiltrate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / genetics*
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Female
  • Genes, p53 / genetics*
  • Giant Cells / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Metaplasia / pathology
  • Microdissection
  • Osteoclasts / cytology
  • Point Mutation
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction