Neuroendocrine Tumor of Breast: A Rare Case Report

Neuroendocrine tumors are rare, slow growing tumors derived from neuroendocrine cells, which are present throughout the body. Neuroendocrine tumors of the breast are rare, accounting for less than 1 % of all breast cancers. Although some invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast show areas of neuroendocrine differentiation, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized this category and defined mammary neuroendocrine carcinoma as expression of neuroendocrine markers in more than 50 % of tumor cells. Reported here is a case of 52 years female presenting with lump in breast gradually increasing in size. Conventional Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology was done and features were suggestive of ductal adenocarcinoma with metastatic deposits to axillary lymph node and liver. Modified radical mastectomy was done and histopathologically, the tumor showed features suggestive of neuroendocrine tumor of breast. Immunohistochemistry was confirmatory showing positivity for synaptophysin. Being aware of the existence of this disease may allow for timely diagnosis and help the patient because misdiagnosing or underdiagnosing it may prevent optimal adjuvant treatment they need.