Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Carcinoid tumors are known to metastasize to the breast, but their appearance can mimic a primary breast carcinoma, making biopsy essential in order to give the correct preoperative diagnosis. It has been suggested that core biopsy might precipitate a carcinoid crisis and should be avoided. We describe a case of screen-detected carcinoid tumor metastasis in the breast safely diagnosed by core biopsy and present the imaging findings, including magnetic resonance imaging and elastography. This case illustrates the importance of preoperative histologic diagnosis in enabling the appropriate surgical or medical management of these patients. Review of the literature also supports the policy that biopsy of nonhormonally active tumors may be safely performed.

Original publication

DOI

10.3816/CBC.2009.n.032

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clin Breast Cancer

Publication Date

08/2009

Volume

9

Pages

189 - 192

Keywords

Biopsy, Breast, Breast Neoplasms, Carcinoid Tumor, Elasticity Imaging Techniques, Female, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Middle Aged, Ovarian Neoplasms