Osteosarcomatous metaplastic carcinoma of the breast with metaplastic changes seen in lymph node metastasis: A case history and review of imaging findings

Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast are a rare but recognised entity. They constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours that may contain cells of epithelial and/or mesenchymal origin. The type in which osseous metaplasia predominates is much more uncommon. We present a case of osteosarcomatous metaplasia within a primary breast carcinoma with associated axillary lymph node involvement also showing similar metaplastic changes; the latter is an extremely rare finding. The imaging findings including appearances on mammography, ultrasound, MRI, CT and bone scan are described for metaplastic carcinoma of the breast along with a review of the literature.