Affiliations: [a] Department of Pathology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Ram Nagar, Doiwala, Uttarakhand, India | [b] Department of Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Ram Nagar, Doiwala, Uttarakhand, India
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Harish Chandra, Department of Pathology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Ram Nagar, Doiwala, Dehradun-248140, Uttarakhand, India. Tel.: +91 9411718442; E-mail:drharishbudakoti31@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: Carcinoma breast is common tumor which tends to metastasize to different
organs but diagnostic difficulty may arise if known case of carcinoma
eventually presents with another secondary malignancy with clinical features
which closely mimics with metastatic carcinoma. This overlapping of symptoms
may lead to delayed diagnosis of secondary malignancy with worsening of the
condition of patient due to lack of specific treatment. The present case is being reported where a known case of primary breast
carcinoma presented with scapular erosions suggesting metastasis. However,
despite treatment her worsening condition necessitated further work up
revealing multiple myeloma. The case signifies the pitfall due to
overlapping of symptoms and draws attention to the fact that every known
case of primary carcinoma suggestive of metastasis should also be
investigated in light of another secondary malignancy. Early diagnosis of
secondary malignancy followed by specific treatment would be helpful in
improved prognosis of the patient.
Keywords: Multiple myeloma, breast carcinoma, diagnostic dilemma
DOI: 10.3233/BD-150403
Journal: Breast Disease, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 199-201, 2015
