C-kit-positive gastric metastasis of lobular carcinoma of the breast masquerading as gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Breast Cancer. 2010 Oct;17(4):303-5. doi: 10.1007/s12282-009-0116-x. Epub 2009 May 23.

Abstract

A 61-year-old woman with no significant past history underwent gastric biopsies demonstrating a strongly c-kit-positive epithelioid malignancy, initially thought to represent gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Subsequent clinical and immunohistochemical evaluation proved the neoplasm to represent metastatic lobular carcinoma. This case illustrates that although c-kit is highly specific and sensitive for GIST, its expression may occur in a variety of other neoplasms, some of which morphologically resemble GIST and may present in the gastrointestinal tract as metastases. Therefore, a review of other c-kit-positive lesions is also highlighted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Lobular / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Lobular / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Lobular / secondary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / diagnosis*
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / metabolism*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / secondary*

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit