Breast cancer in a Poland syndrome patient

Abstract

Introduction: Poland syndrome is a rare congenital condition mainly characterized by partial or total absence of the pectoralis major muscle. The condition has a wide range of manifestations, including generally unilateral breast and nipple hypoplasia or aplasia.

Objective: Present a case of Poland syndrome and breast cancer.

Clinical case: A case is presented of a female 55-year-old patient with Poland syndrome and accentuated breast hypoplasia associated to breast cancer ipsilateral to the condition. The patient received neoadjuvant therapy with chemotherapy, followed by mastectomy with axillary clearance and complementary radiotherapy. Metastases were eventually detected in the costal region and vertebral bodies. Chemotherapy was performed, adding palbociclib and letrozole. Two years after diagnosis, the patient's bone lesions had been reduced and her functional state had been preserved.

Conclusions: The case report herein presented contributed information about breast cancer in Poland syndrome patients. Few documented cases are currently available. On the other hand, a debate is opened about whether the absence of pectoral muscles may hinder the diagnosis of breast cancer and whether anatomical alterations speed up the occurrence of metastasis.

Key words: Poland syndrome; breast cancer; pectoral muscles.