Neuroendocrine differentiation in breast cancer has been recognised since 1963 but is hindered by frequently changing terminology and diagnostic criteria. Breast carcinoma of no special type with neuroendocrine differentiation (IBC-NST-NE) is diagnosed by identifying the presence and extent of NE features. This case report emphasises the significance of establishing the IBC-NST-NE diagnosis. A 75-year-old woman presented with a year-old left breast lump, rapidly enlarging over 3 months with multiple ulcerations and bloody nipple discharge. A needle biopsy confirmed ductal carcinoma. Radical mastectomy revealed a 7,5x7,3x4,9 cm, gray-white, lobulated mass with indistinct borders. Histopathology identified invasive ductal carcinoma with 30% exhibiting NE features—arranged in an insular and pseudorosette pattern, composed of polygonal cells with granular cytoplasm and salt-and-pepper chromatin. Synaptophysin and chromogranin A were positive in the neuroendocrine component, leading to the IBC-NST-NE diagnosis. Therapy of IBC-NST-NE follows standard IBC protocol; however, it has shorter disease-free survival, a poorer survival rate, higher distant metastasis rates, and a higher TNM stage at diagnosis. Diagnosing IBC-NST-NE is crucial for prognosis and enhances our understanding of neuroendocrine differentiation behaviour in breast cancer.
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