Osteoclast-like Multinucleated Giant Cells

A Clue to Invasive Mammary Carcinoma

Authors

  • Prachi Bhaurao Nichat Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., Mumbai, India
  • Kirti Chadha Kazi Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., Mumbai, India
  • Prem Punjabi Consultant Pathologist
  • Vikas Kavishwar Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., Mumbai, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21276/apalm.1851

Keywords:

mammary carcinoma, osteoclast-like, giant cells, low grade

Abstract

Mammary carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells is a rare variant of infiltrating breast carcinoma, first described by Rosen in 1979. Clinically and on sonomammography, the well-circumscribed margin of these tumors may suggest a benign lesion such as fibroadenoma and lead to a false negative diagnosis, as in this case of a 46 year old female with right breast lump. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed cohesive clusters with minimal cellular atypia mimicking fibroadenoma. But, presence of osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells in the background was puzzling. So, lumpectomy was performed. Histopathology showed well differentiated invasive duct carcinoma, confirmed as luminal A type on immunohistochemistry. Till date, over 200 cases have been reported worldwide but we describe probably the only case from India, with complete work-up. The purpose of sharing this experience is to avoid missing malignancy on cytology in lesions which radiographically mimic fibroadenoma, osteoclast-like giant cells being a clue. Immunohistochemistry plays a diagnostic and predictive role. This low grade, rare but unique breast carcinomas must be documented for optimal patient management.

Author Biographies

  • Prachi Bhaurao Nichat, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., Mumbai, India

    Department of Surgical Pathology

  • Kirti Chadha Kazi, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., Mumbai, India

    Head Of Department, Surgical Pathology

  • Prem Punjabi, Consultant Pathologist

    Senior Consultant Pathologist

  • Vikas Kavishwar, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., Mumbai, India

    Senior Consultant Histopathologist, Department of Surgical Pathology

References

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Published

18-07-2018

Issue

Section

Case Report

How to Cite

1.
Osteoclast-like Multinucleated Giant Cells: A Clue to Invasive Mammary Carcinoma. Ann of Pathol and Lab Med [Internet]. 2018 Jul. 18 [cited 2025 Dec. 13];5(7):C104-106. Available from: https://pacificejournals.com/journal/index.php/apalm/article/view/1851