breast tubular carcinoma

Breast Tubular Carcinoma: A Rare but Favorable Type of Breast Cancer

Breast tubular carcinoma, also known as tubular carcinoma of the breast, is a rare and distinct subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). It accounts for approximately 1-5% of all breast cancer diagnoses and is characterized by its unique tube-like structures.

Key Features:

• Small and slow-growing tumors: Tubular carcinomas are typically small in size, with most cases measuring less than 2 cm.
• Tube-shaped structures: These carcinomas consist of simple neoplastic tubules, which are lined by a single layer of low-grade malignant epithelium.
• Non-aggressive behavior: Tubular carcinoma is known for its non-aggressive nature, with a low propensity to recur locally or spread to axillary lymph nodes.
• Excellent prognosis: Due to its favorable characteristics, the prognosis for tubular carcinoma is often excellent, especially when detected early.

Detection and Diagnosis:

• Incidental findings: The vast majority of tubular carcinomas are non-palpable and are usually found incidentally during screening mammography rather than manifesting with clinical symptoms.
• Pathology: A diagnosis of tubular carcinoma requires that more than 90% of the tumor show specific diagnostic features, including small, angulated tubules lined by a single layer of low-grade malignant epithelium.

References:

• [1] Tubular carcinoma of the breast is a distinct, relatively rare low-grade neoplasm, accounting for approximately 1 to 2% of invasive breast cancers. (Source: #10)
• [2] The diagnosis of tubular carcinoma or any special subtype of invasive breast carcinoma requires that > 90% of the tumor show the specific diagnostic features of the special subtype. (Source: #11)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Tubular Breast Carcinoma

Tubular breast carcinoma, a rare type of invasive breast cancer, can manifest in various ways. While it often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, being aware of the potential signs can lead to timely detection and treatment.

• A lump or mass: A small, palpable lump is one of the most common symptoms of tubular breast carcinoma. This lump is usually firm and easy to move under the skin.
• Changes in breast shape or size: As the cancer progresses, you may notice changes in the shape or size of your breast.
• Skin dimpling, puckering, or redness: The skin overlying the tumor can become dimpled, puckered, or even develop a reddish hue.
• Nipple changes: In some cases, the nipple may appear flattened or inverted.

Early Detection is Key

Regular mammograms and monthly self-exams are crucial in detecting tubular breast carcinoma early on. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

• [1] A lump or swelling in the breast; A change in the size of the breast; Changes to the nipple; Puckering or dimpling of the skin; Breast screening can pick up cancer before there are any symptoms. You may have been diagnosed with tubular breast cancer after ...
• [2] Tubular carcinoma of the breast symptoms. In its early stages, tubular carcinoma of the breast typically does not cause any signs or symptoms. Later on, you may develop a lump in the breast that is felt with your fingers, such as during a breast self-exam.
• [3] The symptoms of tubular carcinoma are generally similar to those of other types of breast cancer and may include: a lump or mass in the breast or underarm; changes in breast size or shape; skin changes, such as redness and dimpling; nipple changes, such as inversion or discharge; breast pain; swelling of all or part of the breast
• [4] Signs of tubular breast cancer. Tubular breast cancer often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That’s why early detection through regular mammograms or monthly self-exams is crucial. Some signs to watch for include: A small, palpable lump: Usually firm and easy to move under the skin.
• [5] Signs of tubular breast cancer. In its early stages, tubular breast cancer often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms. However, signs to watch for include: A small, firm lump that's easy to move under the skin; Changes in breast shape or size; Skin dimpling, puckering or redness;

Diagnostic Tests for Breast Tubular Carcinoma

Breast tubular carcinoma, also known as tubular carcinoma of the breast, can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy.

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam by a healthcare provider is often the first step in diagnosing breast tubular carcinoma. This involves checking for any lumps or abnormalities in the breast.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasound scans, and MRI scans can help identify tumors and other abnormalities in the breast. These tests can also provide information on the size, shape, and location of the tumor.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves removing a sample of tissue from the breast to examine it under a microscope. This is usually the most accurate way to confirm a diagnosis of breast tubular carcinoma.

Specific Diagnostic Tests

The following diagnostic tests are commonly used to diagnose breast tubular carcinoma:

• Mammogram: A mammogram can help identify tumors and other abnormalities in the breast.
• Ultrasound scan: An ultrasound scan can provide more detailed information on the size, shape, and location of a tumor.
• Core biopsy: A core biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the breast to examine it under a microscope.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA): FNA involves using a thin needle to remove a sample of cells from the breast.

Early Detection

Regular mammograms can lead to early detection and diagnosis of breast tubular carcinoma. Early detection is often associated with better treatment outcomes.

Sources:

• [1] Diagnosing tubular breast cancer through physical exam, imaging tests, and biopsy.
• [2] A mammogram, ultrasound scan, core biopsy, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) are used to diagnose tubular carcinoma of the breast.
• [3] Doctors use a combination of biopsy, imaging tests, bone tests, and physical exam to diagnose tubular carcinoma of the breast.
• [4] Tubular carcinoma is often detected as a small irregularly shaped mass with spiculated margins on screening mammography.
• [5] A biopsy is needed to obtain a tissue sample, which a pathologist will examine to confirm a diagnosis.
• [6] PT and MT cannot be precisely differentiated on mammography and sonography.
• [7] Attending regular mammograms can lead to early diagnosis, which usually makes early treatment possible.
• [8] A biopsy is the best way for your doctor to see inside the tumor and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Tubular Carcinoma of the Breast

Tubular carcinoma of the breast, a rare and low-grade form of invasive breast cancer, can be treated with various drug therapies in combination with surgery and radiation. The treatment approach is individualized and tailored to each patient.

• Surgery: Lumpectomy or mastectomy may be performed to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Radiation Therapy: To decrease the chances of recurrence, radiation therapy may be used after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs that target and destroy breast cancer cells. These drugs are usually injected directly into a vein through a needle or taken by mouth as pills.

Additional Treatment Options

• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapies block or stop the effect of oestrogen on breast cancer cells, which can help prevent the growth of cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), may be used to target specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The five-year disease survival rate for tubular carcinoma is more than 90%, and the 10-year overall survival rate is similar to that of same-age people who have never had this type of cancer. The survival rate is higher when tubular carcinoma cells appear alone and not mixed with other types of breast cancer cells.

References

• [3] Treatment options for tubular carcinoma breast cancer include: surgery, which may involve: lumpectomy, or removal of the tumor with a small amount of tissue around it; mastectomy, or removal of the entire breast; removal of adjacent lymph nodes if necessary; radiation therapy to decrease the chances of recurrence.
• [4] Treatment for tubular breast carcinoma is individualized and tailored to each patient, says Dr. Shen. But because tumors are most often treated with a combination of surgery, radiation, and sometimes hormone therapy.
• [14] A combination of surgery, radiation and sometimes hormone therapy is commonly used to treat tubular breast cancer. The approach depends on the stage and characteristics of the tumor.

Note: The information provided above is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

Differential Diagnosis of Breast Tubular Carcinoma

Breast tubular carcinoma, a rare and low-grade neoplasm, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance with other benign and malignant conditions. The differential diagnosis for tubular breast carcinoma includes:

• Sclerosing adenosis: A benign condition characterized by the proliferation of glandular tissue, which can mimic the appearance of tubular carcinoma on imaging studies.
• Tubulolobular variant of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): A subtype of ILC that shares similar histological features with tubular carcinoma, including the presence of tubules and a haphazard distribution.
• Mixed-type invasive breast carcinoma: A rare type of breast cancer that combines features of both ductal and lobular carcinomas, which can be confused with tubular carcinoma due to its mixed histology.
• Benign breast tumors: Such as fibroadenoma or phyllodes tumor, which can present with a similar appearance on imaging studies.

Key Features for Differential Diagnosis

To differentiate tubular carcinoma from these conditions, the following features are important:

• Histological examination: The presence of well-defined tubules with open lumina and a single layer of low-grade malignant epithelium is characteristic of tubular carcinoma.
• Immunohistochemistry: The expression of myoepithelial cells markers can help rule out sclerosing adenosis, while the absence of these markers in tubular carcinoma supports its diagnosis.
• Imaging studies: A small spiculated mass with long spicules on mammography or ultrasound may suggest tubular carcinoma, but further histological examination is necessary for confirmation.

References

[1] Context 3: Tubular carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a small spiculated mass, especially if it has long spicules. [2] Context 4: The differential diagnosis for tubular breast carcinoma includes sclerosing adenosis and other benign conditions. [3] Context 9: Other differential diagnoses are some benign breast tumors. [4] Context 10: The diagnosis of tubular carcinoma or any special subtype of invasive breast carcinoma, requires that > 90% of the tumor show the specific diagnostic features of the special subtype.