Her-2/neu evaluation in Sister Mary Joseph's nodule from breast carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

J Cutan Pathol. 2009 Jun;36(6):702-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2008.01114.x.

Abstract

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule (SMJN) involving the umbilicus can often be a clinical sign of metastatic cancer, but rarely cancer originating from the breast. We report a rare case of umbilical metastases from breast cancer and reviewed the literature. A 54-year-old woman was referred to a pre-surgery clinic for an examination of an umbilical nodule. The patient had a history of ductal breast carcinoma. Cytological smear from fine needle aspiration showed epithelial neoplastic cells resembling those of breast carcinoma. Neoplastic cells from tissue were positive for cytokeratin 8-18, estrogen and progesterone receptor and negative for E-cadherin and had a low proliferative index. Her-2/neu immunodetection showed a 2+ equivocal positive rate, but Her-2/neu gene amplification was found on the cytological smear by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Similar results were obtained within a tissue section. Concordant findings have been obtained when comparing the recent American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists scoring system. Fine needle aspiration from the SMJN is a useful tool for the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, the predictive biomarkers for tumors of the breast, hormonal receptors and Her-2/neu not only assist with the identification of the source of the metastatic disease but also provide clinical information for patient management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / secondary*
  • Female
  • Gene Amplification
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes, erbB-2
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Umbilicus / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Receptor, ErbB-2