Pure Mucinous Carcinoma of the Breast: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Abstract

Mucinous carcinoma (MC) of the breast is a rare, specialized subtype of invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) accounting for approximately 1% to 4% of all primary breast malignancies. Mucinous carcinoma occurs predominantly in patients who are postmenopausal or elderly. It is usually detected on screening mammography, but occasionally the patient may present with a palpable mass. The most common mammographic appearance is an equal to high density, oval or round mass with circumscribed or indistinct margins; MC can mimic a benign lesion. Histologically, MC is a well-differentiated cancer characterized by pools of mucin around neoplastic cells. Depending on mucin content, the tumor is classified as pure (≥90% mucin) or mixed (>10% and <90% mucin). Pure MCs (PMCs) are of low or intermediate nuclear grade, and the vast majority are hormone receptor–positive and human epidermal growth factor-2 receptor–negative (luminal A subtype). Pure MCs may be classified as hypocellular (type A) or hypercellular (type B) and have a lower rate of axillary lymph node involvement and more favorable prognosis than IBCs, no special type. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical features, imaging appearances, associated histopathology, and management of PMC.