Aberrant metastasis of invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma: A case report and brief review of the literature

Yasseen,Hadeel Adnan; Abdullah,Ari M.; Ali,Rebaz M.; Pshtiwan,Lana R.A.; Salih,Karzan M.; Salih,Abdulwahid M.; Arif,Sakar O.; Hassan,Shko H.; Fatih,Harzal H.; Ahmed,Masty K.; Qadir,Abdullah A.; Kakamad,Fahmi H.

doi:10.3892/wasj.2026.446

March-April 2026 Volume 8 Issue 2

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March-April 2026 Volume 8 Issue 2

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Case Report Open Access

Aberrant metastasis of invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma: A case report and brief review of the literature

Authors:
- Hadeel Adnan Yasseen
- Ari M. Abdullah
- Rebaz M. Ali
- Lana R.A. Pshtiwan
- Karzan M. Salih
- Abdulwahid M. Salih
- Sakar O. Arif
- Shko H. Hassan
- Harzal H. Fatih
- Masty K. Ahmed
- Abdullah A. Qadir
- Fahmi H. Kakamad
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Affiliations: College of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq, Department of Pathology, Smart Health Tower, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq, Department of Oncology, Hiwa Cancer Hospital, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq, Department of Radiology, Smart Health Tower, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Smart Health Tower, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq, Department of Breast Surgery, Smart Health Tower, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq

Copyright: © Yasseen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].
Article Number: 31
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Published online on: February 24, 2026

https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2026.446
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Abstract

Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma (PLC) is a rare type of invasive lobular carcinoma. It is more aggressive and is associated with a poorer prognosis, and distinct cytologic characteristics. The present study reports a rare case of invasive PLC metastasis to the peritoneum and ovaries, and also performs a brief review of the literature. A 51‑year‑old woman with a family history of breast cancer presented with multiple right breast masses and right axillary lymphadenopathy. Imaging and biopsy confirmed invasive PLC, which was estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)‑positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‑negative, with metastatic involvement of the axillary lymph nodes. Laparoscopy and immunohistochemistry revealed bilateral ovarian and peritoneal metastases. The patient was diagnosed with metastatic PLC of breast origin. A multidisciplinary team initiated systemic therapy with palbociclib, letrozole and Zoladex. She is currently on her fifth treatment cycle, with stable disease and no reported complications. Ongoing follow‑up continues to monitor her progress. From the literature, a total of 6 cases of breast cancer metastasis to the ovaries and 1 case involving the peritoneum were reviewed. Computed tomography was the most commonly used imaging modality, with diagnostic confirmation achieved through histopathological examination. Surgeries were performed, 1 patient succumbed, and 1 patient was lost to follow‑up. Immunohistochemistry is critical for differentiating primary and metastatic ovarian tumors. These markers include GATA3, ER, PR, HER2, Ki‑67, GCDFP‑15, CK7 and the lack of E‑cadherin. The same differentiation is crucial for metastasis to the peritoneum. On the whole, the present case report demonstrates that breast carcinoma metastases to the ovaries and peritoneum are rare, yet essential to consider. Immunohistochemistry helps differentiate them from other carcinomas.

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Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Oncology

Molecular Medicine Reports

Oncology Reports

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Oncology Letters

Biomedical Reports

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

World Academy of Sciences Journal

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Epigenetics

Medicine International

Aberrant metastasis of invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma: A case report and brief review of the literature

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