Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast Among Omani Women: A Case Series and a Literature Review

Breast cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in women worldwide. In 2012, an estimated of 100,000 cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in the United States. The histopathology type is predominantly ductal in about 70–80% of patients followed by invasive lobular carcinoma in 5–15% of case. Invasive papillary carcinomas of the breast are rare, accounting for less than 1-2% of invasive breast cancers. Occasionally the disease is found in men as well. Papillary carcinoma most frequently occurs in older and post-menopausal women. Triple assessment is essential to reach the diagnosis. The typical sonographic appearance of IPC is of hypoechoic area with soft tissue echoes emerging from the wall of the cyst. Invasive micropapillary carcinoma is a luminal-type breast cancer with a propensity for lymphovascular invasion and regional lymph-node metastasis. Intracystic papillary breast cancer (IPC) is best managed in the context of a multidisciplinary team. Surgical excision of the lump with margins in excess of 2 mm is considered satisfactory. Many studies suggest that papillary carcinoma may have a better prognosis than invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). However, the little available information about papillary carcinoma of the breast underscores the need for further management related studies.