Morphological Continuum of mucocele like tumor with its Diagnostic Dilemmas – A Case Report with Cytohistological Correlation

Abstract

Introduction: A Mucocele-like tumor is a rare breast lesion, characterized by mucin-filled cysts and extravasated mucin present in the adjacent stroma. First described by Rosen as a benign entity, it is now considered as a continuum of different pathological lesions, ranging from benign ductal hyperplasias , atypical ductal hyperplasia , ductal carcinoma in situ and mucinous carcinomas. Case presentation: We describe a case of Mucocele like tumor of the breast showing a morphologic and biologic continuum between a benign and malignant mucocele like tumor in a 60 year old female. This patient presented with a lump breast , in the upper outer quadrant, with ill defined margins. The lump was suspected clinicoradiologically as malignant. Fine needle aspiration cytology was suspicious of colloid carcinoma, however subsequent mastectomy showed Mucocele like tumor with spectrum of pathological lesions. Conclusion: This case is being presented for its rarity and is the first case being reported from India.