A Rare Case of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report and Review of the Literature Adenoid Cystic Ca or ACC

Joanna Sajdlowska (1), Niyousha Ahmadi (2), Nicole Clarke (3), John Veltri (4), Amer Akmal (5), Nadra Moulayes (6)
(1) Pathology Department, St Joseph's University Medical Center, New Jersey, United States, United States,
(2) St. Joseph's University Medical Center, Paterson, New Jersey, United States, United States,
(3) Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA , United States,
(4) Pathology Department, St Joseph's University Medical Center, New Jersey, United States, United States,
(5) Pathology Department, St. Joseph University Medical Center, New Jersey, United States, United States,
(6) Pathology Department, St Joseph's University Medical Center, New Jersey, United States, United States

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (AdCC) of the breast is a rare subtype, comprising less than 0.1% of cases. Despite its triple-negative profile, it typically carries a favorable prognosis.


Case Report: A 55-year-old Hispanic female presented for routine screening mammography. Initial imaging revealed fibroglandular densities and architectural distortion in the right breast (BI-RADS 0). Further evaluation identified an irregular 0.9 × 0.9 × 1.0 cm mass at the 12:30 position and an 18 mm lesion at 12:00, 2.5 cm from the nipple (BI-RADS 4). Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy confirmed AdCC (pT2 N0). Radiation therapy was recommended; systemic therapy was not indicated.


Conclusion: This case highlights the rare presentation and diagnostic features of breast AdCC, contributing to the limited literature on this uncommon malignancy.

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Authors

Joanna Sajdlowska
Niyousha Ahmadi
niyousha.ahmadi13@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Nicole Clarke
John Veltri
Amer Akmal
Nadra Moulayes
1.
Sajdlowska J, Ahmadi N, Clarke N, Veltri J, Akmal A, Moulayes N. A Rare Case of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report and Review of the Literature: Adenoid Cystic Ca or ACC. Arch Breast Cancer [Internet]. [cited 2026 Jan. 12];13(1). Available from: https://archbreastcancer.com/index.php/abc/article/view/1153

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