Mucinous Breast Carcinoma

BACKGROUND . Mucinous or colloid carcinoma is an uncommon breast neoplasm which is generally associated with a good prognosis. Metastases tend to occur late in the disease and are found principally in lymph nodes, lungs, and bones. The longest latency period reported for development of a distant metastasis is 30 years after primary resection of the tumor. OBJECTIVE . To describe a case of cutaneous metastasis from a mucinous breast carcinoma occurring 22 years after initial resection and review the literature. RESULTS . Comparison of the primary tumor with the metastatic lesion showed identical histology. Review of the literature revealed this case represents the second longest latency for a distant metastasis from mucinous breast carcinoma and the unusual involvement of the skin. CONCLUSION . This represents the second longest reported latency period for the development of a distant metastasis from mucinous breast carcinoma and its rare occurrence in the skin.