Lipid-rich carcinoma of the breast.A clinicopathologic analysis of 13 examples

A critical review of over 900 mammary carcinomas treated at St. Louis University Hospitals disclosed 13 that fulfilled the histologic picture of lipid-rich carcinoma. All clinical and pathologic data were tabulated; 1 case was studied by electron microscopy. Five of the patients were dead within 2 years, and 2 others had evidence of metastatic tumor within 2 years. One patient died 6 years after treatment. On the basis of the following characteristics we believe lipid-rich carcinomas should be regarded as a specific type of mammary carcinoma: 1. The presence of non-degenerative lipid material within the cytoplasm of tumor cells; 2. The presence of intramitochondrial crystals; 3. The pattern of metastatic involvement of lymph nodes and the orbit; 4. The presence of intraductal and lobular carcinoma in situ associated with this type of tumor; and 5. The more aggressive clinical behavior.