Gross morphology of breast carcinoma

GROSS MORPHOLOGY OF BREAST CARCINOMA
  • Invasive breast carcinoma
    • presents as irregular hard mass measuring 2 to 3 cms in sizeĀ 
    • On cutting tumor produces grating sensation ( similar to cutting water chestnut) due to desmoplastic stroma and foci of calcifications
    • Larger tumors invade skin producing ulceration or may be fixed due to infiltration of underlying pectoralis muscle
    • Retraction of nipple develops if the tumor is located in central portion
    • Involvement of dermal lymphatics produces Peud’ orange appearance of skin
  • Lobular carcinoma presents as hard irregular masses
  • Medullary carcinoma presents as well circumscribed tumor with pushing borders and soft in consistency (medulla means marrow in Latin) due to minimal desmoplasia
  • Mucinous carcinoma are soft and rubbery in consistency. Cut section has pale gelatinous appearance.
References
  1. Vinay kumar, Abul K.Abbas, Nelson Fausto, Jon C. Aster. The Breast. In: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic basis of disease. 8th edition.