Tubular adenoma of the breast with associated mucinous features: a cytological diagnostic trap

Postmenopausal Tubular Adenoma of the Breast: A Case Report

Tubular adenoma (TA) of the breast is a rare, benign proliferative breast lesion that is predominantly composed of closely compacted tubules with an inner layer of epithelial cells and an outer layer of myoepithelial cells. They are regarded as residing on the opposite end of a spectrum of proliferative breast lesions from fibroadenomas, which are predominantly stromal. The majority of TAs are found in premenopausal women and the reason for this demographic predilection is not yet known. It is generally not possible to distinguish between TA and other, higher-risk breast lesions prior to biopsy or resection because the clinical and radiographic findings overlap. In this article, we present the case of a TA in a postmenopausal patient and review the epidemiology, histology, carcinogenic potential, and management of such lesions.

Tubular adenoma of the breast: a rare presentation and review of the literature

Tubular adenomas, also known as pure adenomas, are rare epithelial tumors of the breast. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature, especially in young women of reproductive age. Postmenopausal women are very rarely affected. We describe here a very rare case of tubular breast adenoma in a postmenopausal woman who presented with a gradually enlarging breast lump. Clinical examination and imaging studies revealed a non-tender well circumscribed left breast tumor suggestive of a fibroadenoma. Due to the history of progressive enlargement of the breast lump, a surgical excision was performed. Histological findings were suggestive of a tubular breast adenoma. We conclude that although tubular breast adenoma is rare, it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in postmenopausal patients presenting with a gradually enlarging breast mass. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult because tubular adenoma is indistinguishable from a fibroadenoma on physical examination and breast imaging. Surgical excision is necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis. Clinical presentation and management of our patient are discussed along with a review of the literature.