Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Breast

Tissue specimens from five patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of breast have been analyzed in conjunction with 46 well-documented cases in the literature. The necessity for histologic differentiation of this tumor from ductal carcinoma of the breast with a cribriform pattern is discussed. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast appears to occur preferentially in the area of the nipple and areola. Because of this tumor's apparent indolent course and the absence of documentation of metastases to axillary lymph node, simple mastectomy is adequate treatment.