Mystery of bilateral breast masses

Nausheen Khan, FC Rad

Zaeem I Ebrahim, FC Rad

Irma van de Werke, FRCR

Department of Radiology, Kalafong Hospital and University of Pretoria

Corresponding author: Z Ebrahim (zaeem@iafrica.com)

Introduction

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an uncommon malignant tumour of smooth muscle origin. It arises in the gastro-intestinal tract, retroperitoneum, urinary bladder, uterus and soft tissue. Peritoneal leiomyosarcomatosis (PL) is defined as a peritoneal dissemination of a primary sarcoma. We present a case of leiomyosarcomatosis with widespread dissemination including involvement of both breasts.

Case report

A 38-year-old woman, retrovirus negative, presented at the outpatient department of Kalafong Hospital, with a 3-month history of weight loss and enlarging bilateral breast masses. On examination there were numerous large, hard, nodular fixed masses in both breasts and axillae. The preliminary diagnosis at this stage was lymphoma, bilateral breast carcinoma, or unknown primary malignancy with metastasis to the axillae and breasts. On further examination, masses were felt in the anterior abdominal wall and in the back and thigh. Several soft tissue core biopsies were done of the axillary masses. A cervical smear showed no malignant cells.

Computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen demonstrated a large complex mass arising from the uterus with both cystic and solid components (Fig. 1). Another mass lesion was noted in the right kidney with extension into the inferior vena cava with complete occlusion (Fig. 2). There were several soft-tissue enhancing masses in both breasts and axillae (Fig. 3); a mass in the anterior abdominal wall (Fig. 4); and a mass in the pericardium (Fig. 5) and the posterior compartment of the left thigh (Fig. 6). All the masses had similar soft-tissue features. The diagnosis on CT was disseminated leiomyosarcomatosis. Histological examination of the tissue submitted showed several cores of tumour comprising pleomorphic spindle-shaped cells. Tumour giant cells were also noted and several mitoses were present including atypical mitosis. There were areas of myxoid degeneration. Immunohistochemical staining of the tissue was diffusely and strongly positive for actin, negative for desmin, and negative for cluster of differentiation (CD) of 117. The histological and immunohistochemical features were most in keeping with the diagnosis of a leiomyosarcoma. Further evaluation of the uterine mass was recommended and discussed with the patient and her prognosis explained. She refused further intervention. She was sent home with the clinical diagnosis of disseminated leiomyosarcomatosis.

Discussion

Leiomyosarcoma is a relatively uncommon malignant mesenchymal tumour that exhibits smooth muscle differentiation.1 , 2 It is a tumour of adult life seen more commonly in women than men, and generally has a poor prognosis with a high percentage of recurrence. Leiomyosarcomatosis is defined as dissemination of leimyosarcoma from a primary in the gastro-intestinal tract to the peritoneum or omentum; or haematogenous spread to distant sites including the head and neck, skin and soft tissue.2 Diffuse peritoneal and omental seeding are well-known forms of dissemination of metastatic carcinoma either via direct invasion through the serosa, or haematogenous or embolic spread.2 , 3 Breast metastasis from extramammary malignancy is rare, constituting 2% of breast tumours.4 Conforming to Virchow’s concept, the breast has resistance to metastasis from extra-mammary malignancy because the breast has large areas of fibrous tissue, with a relatively poor blood supply.4 , 5 Breast metastasis with multiple lesions from uterine leiomyosarcoma and especially with bilateral involvement as seen in our case, is less common, however. Primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast is rarer;4 , 6 it is usually low-grade and should be distinguished from leiomyoma.6 The average interval for occurrence of non-breast tumour metastasis to the breast is approximately 2 years.5 , 6 Our patient presented primarily with metastatic breast masses rather than with a primary tumour in the uterus. In 85% of patients, metastatic leiomyosarcoma presents as a solitary breast lump and only 15% as bilateral or multiple lumps as in our case. Leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas arise from the spindle cells of the muscular coat of the gastro-intestinal tract and less commonly from the muscularis mucosa.7 CT examination in leiomyosarcomatosis usually demonstrates multiple dumbbell or oval tumours of soft-tissue density that enhance homogenously on intravenous contrast administration. Tumours more than 5 cm may show central hypodensity owing to necrosis. Calcifications are uncommon.7

Conclusion

Metastases to the breasts from primary sites are unusual and bilateral involvement even rarer. So far there have only been a few cases reported of leiomyosarcoma to the breast. These metastases to the breast are seen on an average interval of approximately 2 years after the detection of the primary site. In our case, the patient presented primarily with metastasis. The diagnosis becomes a formidable issue when the breast metastasis represents the first event in the patient’s work-up. The presence of metastatic tumour in the breast carries a poor prognosis, and radical procedures are unnecessary and can be avoided.

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