Abstract

Matrix producing carcinoma of the breast is a variant of heterologous metaplastic carcinoma which is defined as "overt carcinoma with direct transition to a cartilagenous and/or osseous stromal matrix without an intervening spindle cell zone or osteoclastic cells". This tumor is very rare, occuring in less than 0.2% of total breast carcinoma, but the prognosis is better than other metaplastic carcinoma. We experienced a case of fine needle aspiration(FNA) cytologic finding of matrix producing carcinoma of the breast. A 75-year old woman, who presented a right huge breast mass(9x8cm) during 10months, was examined. Mammography reveals right lateral mass with even density without calcification. Breast ultrasonography shows multifocal hypoechogenic cystic change in the huge mass, suggesting resolving hematoma or carcinoma or sarcoma with necrosis. On cytologic finding of FNA, myxoid matrix was the dominant feature and the rest of the material was composed of scanty isolated atypical cells with large irregular nuclei. The histologic finding was moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with abundant cartilagenous matrix and focal squamous metaplasia.

• Keywords: Matrix producing carcinoma;Breast;Aspiration cytology