Unveiling the Link Between Breast Cancer and Liver Abscess: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Abstract

The introduction of screening mammograms has revolutionized the early detection of breast cancer. However, it remains the most common cancer in women in the United States, excluding skin cancer. As the incidence rates continue to rise, unusual presentations have become more frequent. Additionally, healthcare barriers can lead to delayed detection of breast cancer, resulting in unexpected complications. The occurrence of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) in diabetic cancer patients, due to the synergistic effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 in tumorigenesis and abscess formation, is well documented. PLA is also prevalent in hepatocellular, colorectal, and pancreato-biliary tumors. However, the occurrence of PLA as an initial presentation of isolated advanced breast cancer without these comorbidities is understudied. This may be due to direct spread of infection from affected skin or spread via lymphatics or vasculature in the setting of immunosuppression from cancer. We present an exceedingly rare case of PLA, complicated by pulmonary embolism, in an elderly female with newly diagnosed stage IIIB breast carcinoma.