Carcinoma en Cuirasse: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of Breast Presenting as Multiple Sclerotic Plaques

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer globally with skin involvement. Breast cancer can present with various cutaneous manifestations. Carcinoma en cuirasse is a rare form of cutaneous involvement by breast carcinoma presenting with sclerotic and indurated lesions on the chest wall. It is most commonly seen in cases of recurrence of carcinoma after mastectomy. Usually, it presents after breast malignancy is treated. Although in rare cases, it can present as the primary manifestation of breast malignancy. It is named after the breastplate of a cuirassier. Carcinoma en cuirasse can mimic other conditions such as morphea and metastases. We report a case of carcinoma en cuirasse in a 51-year-old female who presented with sclerotic and indurated morphea-like lesions on the left breast. Ultrasonography and mammography did not reveal any deeper abnormality or enlarged lymph nodes. Biopsy from the lesions was performed and histopathological examination revealed invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. This is a unique case as the condition presented as a first sign of the disease. Sclerotic lesions presenting on the anterior chest wall should be examined thoroughly and investigated for early detection of underlying breast malignancy.