Breast carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of a case and review of the literature

Tumori. 1995 Mar-Apr;81(2):135-41. doi: 10.1177/030089169508100213.

Abstract

We describe an unusual case of infiltrating ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified, containing numerous benign stromal osteoclast giant cells (OGCs). Macroscopically, the tumor appeared as a well-outlined dark brown mass and was initially interpreted as a benign lesion on the mammograms. OGCs were uniformly distributed in the tumor and were found in vascularized, hemorrhagic stroma often abutted on the nests of tumor cells. Electron microscopy supported a histiocytic origin of the OGCs, but immunohistochemistry failed to confirm the observation. The patient was alive and well 30 months following the operation. A review of the literature concerning breast carcinoma with OGCs is also presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / ultrastructure
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Giant Cells / pathology*
  • Giant Cells / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoclasts