What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Mammary Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma
• PAC of Breast

What is Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma of Breast? (Definition/Background Information)

• Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women. It is a type of cancer in which certain cells in the breast become abnormal, grow uncontrollably, and form a malignant mass (tumor). There are various types of breast cancers
• Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma of Breast is an extremely rare type of invasive breast carcinoma. This histological subtype is diagnosed when the tumor cells are observed under the microscope by a pathologist. It is similar to polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) of the salivary glands
• Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma of Breast may be observed in young, middle-aged, and older adults (age range 37 to 74 years; mean age 55 years). Only about 10 cases have been reported in the medical literature, making this tumor a highly uncommon type
• The predisposing factors and cause of development of Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma of Breast is unknown. The condition can cause a breast mass ranging in size from 1.5 to 4 cm. It may present nipple discharge and other signs and symptoms. PAC of Breast may be diagnosed via breast biopsy
• Since these tumors are extremely uncommon, there are no defined treatment protocols available for managing the condition. The treatment provided for Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma of Breast is often on a case-by-case basis using modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy
• The prognosis may depend on many factors, especially the stage of the tumor. However, there is limited information on the outcomes of patients with Polymorphous Adenocarcinomas of Breast. Since there is a risk for recurrence and metastasis, close clinical monitoring is necessary with periodic follow-ups

The term polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is not recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe the tumor anymore, since it is known to widely metastasize to other body regions.