Breast cancer in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: A case report and review of literature.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) represents a cluster of clinical features based on the National Institute of Health(NIH) diagnostic criteria. It is a multi-systemic disease with progressive features characterized by variable expression. NF1 is associated with an increased risk of malignancies including breast cancer. Presented was a 56 year old woman with a painless lump in the right breast in the past 15 months. Clinical evaluation revealed features of NF1 and an advanced right breast cancer. Histologic evaluation revealed an invasive ductal carcinoma and she was offered a right modified radical mastectomy. Due to clinical presentation with discrete lesions, NF1 may be diagnosed at presentation with malignancy. Clinicians are urged to be familiar with the subtle features of NF1 for early diagnosis that is largely clinical. Institution of early breast cancer surveillance in patients with NF1 is recommended for early diagnosis and improved outcomes.