medullary carcinoma
Last reviewed 01/2018
Medullary carcinoma is a histologically characteristic form of invasive ductal breast carcinoma. It constitues about 4-5% of all invasive breast cancers. Compared to other breast carcinomas, they tend to metastasize to lymph nodes much less readily.
Macroscopic features include:
- relatively larger than ductal NOS (up to 10cm)
- consistency soft and fleshy
- well-circumscribed
- smooth surface
Histologically, they are characterised by:
- little stroma
- cells growing in irregular sheets
- lymphocytic infiltrate - response may contribute to its relatively better prognosis
- occasionally glandular patterns - medullary adenocarcinoma