Metastatic carcinoid tumor to the breast: report of two cases and review of the literature

The breast is an unusual site for carcinoid metastasis. Due to increasing survival rates for carcinoid tumors, however, awareness of their rare complications is important. Carcinoid metastasis to the breast typically presents as a palpable breast mass or a mass on screening mammogram. Because imaging findings are nonspecific, the diagnosis is established through histological findings of neuroendocrine features corresponding with the known primary carcinoid pathology. Correctly distinguishing metastatic carcinoid from primary breast carcinoma is crucial to avoid more invasive procedures required for the latter. Two cases of metastatic carcinoid to the breast are presented with review of the literature.