A rare case of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the breast

Authors

Emiliya Apinova, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Grace Markley, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Jonathan Sedeyn, Holzer Health SystemFollow
Jordon March, Holzer Health SystemFollow
Alex Somerville, Marshall Community Health Consortium Residency ProgramFollow

Author Credentials

Emiliya Apinova, BA (OMS-III) Grace Markley, BS (OMS-III) Dr. Jonathan Sedeyn, MD, PhD Dr. Jordon K March (M.D.) Alex Somerville (PGY-2)

Keywords

adenoid cystic carcinoma; malignant salivary gland tumor of the breast

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is an extremely rare subtype of triple-negative breast cancer, comprising less than 0.1% of all invasive breast cancers, yet it exhibits a favorable prognosis. This case details a 53-year-old female with a significant family history of breast cancer who presented with a left breast mass. The patient reported that the mass had been present for over 30 years but had only recently become tender. She also began to have brown-green discharge from the left nipple. Imaging revealed a breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) category 4 lesion, leading to a mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy that confirmed classic ACC with negative margins. Six months post-surgery, the patient developed brown-green discharge from the right breast, but imaging showed benign findings.

Despite its classification as triple-negative, breast ACC generally has a better prognosis than other triple-negative breast cancers, indicating the need for further research into its unique biological characteristics. This case contributes valuable insights into the clinical behavior of breast ACC, advocating for further research to expand understanding and improve the management of this uncommon malignancy.

Recommended Citation

Apinova E, Markley G, Sedeyn J, March J, Somerville A. A rare case of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the breast. Marshall J Med. 2025; 11(2) DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2379-9536.1472.