Digital Library: Case Studies: The Female Reproductive System and Breast: Case 8: Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma A 50-year old woman presented with a mass in the outer upper quadrant of her left breast. She has been aware of the mass for the last 6 months, but did not want to see a physician thinking that it would disappear. However, since the mass was slowly growing, she finally decided to seek medical advice. On physical examination, a 4 cm mass was palpated. It was hard, tender and the overlying skin appeared fixed to it. A "lumpectomy" was performed. A cross section through the breast mass. What are the typical features that make you suspect carcinoma? Most breast carcinomas removed today in the United States are less than 3 cm. in diameter as illustrated in this slide. Do you see the tumor? A more extensive carcinoma producing retraction of the nipple. Why is the nipple retracted? Paget disease is a ductal carcinoma that evolves in the large ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple. On gross examination, it resembles eczema. Histologically in Paget disease, tumor cells are found in the epithelium. Question for Class Discussion What is the typical age range for fibroadenoma versus breast carcinoma? First Name: (required; no spaces) Last Name: (required; no spaces)