Solid Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast: Mammographic and Ultrasound Appearance with Histopathologic Correlation

Abstract

Solid papillary carcinoma (SPC) is a rare form of breast cancer that tends to occur in postmenopausal women [1,3]. It has a peak prevalence between 40 and 75 with a mean age of 55 at diagnosis [2]. Symptoms include a palpable mass or bloody discharge [2,4]. Papillary carcinoma tends to have a better prognosis than other forms of breast carcinomas, likely due to their slow growth rate [3]. The 10-year survival rate has been reported to be 100% [3]. Diagnosis is made more difficult as neither mammography nor ultrasound are sensitive or specific to determine malignancy [4]. Histopathology is required for definitive diagnosis and can help to elucidate the subtype. When the tumors have cystic components, they are known as intracystic papillary carcinomas [3]. When cellular proliferation has masked the basic papillary properties, it is termed solid papillary carcinoma [2]. Abstract