Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Pleomorphic Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of Current Literature

TL;DR

This paper presents a case of a rare aggressive breast cancer type, IPLC, and discusses its diagnostic challenges and treatment.

Contribution

The paper provides a case report and review of IPLC, emphasizing its diagnostic and treatment complexities.

Findings

IPLC is difficult to diagnose due to its rare and aggressive nature.

MRI was more effective than ultrasound and mammography in identifying IPLC in this case.

The standard treatment includes mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and chemotherapy.

Abstract

Invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma (IPLC) is a rare and aggressive variant of invasive lobular breast cancer, characterized by its distinct histological features and potential for metastatic spread. This case report aims to highlight the diagnostic challenges of IPLC, particularly regarding its imaging and pathological characteristics, and to review the latest treatment protocols.

A 43‐year‐old female presented with a painless right breast mass that had persisted for 4 months. The breast ultrasound and mammography did not provide an accurate assessment, whereas MRI indicated multiple abnormal signals throughout the right breast, classified as BI‐RADS 4c. Surgical intervention and subsequent pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of multifocal invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma with lymph node metastasis.

IPLC presents diagnostic challenges due to its rare and aggressive nature, requiring a high degree of clinical suspicion. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive imaging and pathological assessment for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of IPLC. The standard treatment involves modified radical mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and postoperative chemotherapy.

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