RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that at least a of intraoral eosinophilic ulcer is best classified as a CD30 + T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), with histopathology reminiscent of lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) of the skin. Microscopically, a mixed population of inflammatory cells, often including eosinophils and varying numbers of atypical lymphoid cells, frequently expressing CD30, is typical for LyP, whose clinicopathological spectrum includes type A, B, C, D, E, and LyP with DUSP22/IRF4 rearrangement. To date, about 27 intraoral LyP cases have been reported. Of them, 7 cases were diagnosed as LyP type C, which is frequently confused with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) on histopathology. METHODS: A 60-year-old male was referred for a one-month history of a tongue ulcer. RESULTS: Microscopy showed numerous subepithelial atypical large lymphoid cells, which expressed CD4 (with partial loss of CD3, CD5, and CD7), CD8 (few cells), CD30 (about 50%, in non-diffuse pattern with size variability), TIA-1, and Ki-67 (85%), without staining for CD56, ALK, LMP1, and EBER1/2, concerning for a diagnosis of ALCL. However, after three weeks, the lesion completely healed. CONCLUSION: We present here a rare case of intraoral CD30+ T-cell LPD that we believe is the oral counterpart of cutaneous LyP type C.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Reconhecido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde em 2016, o linfoma anaplásico de grandes células associado ao implante mamário (BIA-ALCL) é um subtipo incomum de linfoma não Hodgkin de células T, que se desenvolve após a inserção de próteses mamárias. A doença é uma afecção rara que afeta cerca de uma a cada 30.000 pessoas com implante mamário texturizado. As principais manifestações clínicas são o seroma tardio, assimetria mamária, massa e contratura capsular, com frequência mais elevada do primeiro. O explante da prótese com capsulectomia total pode ser suficiente para tratar o ALCL, com ressecções estendidas a locais adjacentes, quando necessário. Entretanto, em alguns casos, é realizada a radioterapia e/ou quimioterapia adjuvante. Conclui-se que, para um diagnóstico precoce e um tratamento efetivo, mulheres com seroma de aparecimento súbito e tardio deverão realizar exames complementares para a exclusão dessa afecção, mesmo com tempo inferior à média de desenvolvimento, que é de cerca de 10,6 anos.

Recognized by the World Health Organization in 2016, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon subtype of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops after the insertion of breast implants. The disease is a rare condition that affects approximately one in every 30,000 people with textured breast implants. The main clinical manifestations are late seroma, breast asymmetry, mass, and capsular contracture, with a higher frequency of the former. Explantation of the prosthesis with total capsulectomy may be sufficient to treat ALCL, with resections extended to adjacent sites when necessary. However, in some cases, adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy is performed. It is concluded that, for an early diagnosis and effective treatment, women with sudden and late-onset seroma should undergo additional tests to exclude this condition, even with a shorter development time than the average, which is around 10.6 years.

RESUMO

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is the second most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after mycosis fungoides and belongs to the spectrum of cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Although primary cutaneous ALCL usually presents as a localized nodule or papule with or without ulceration, multifocal lesions may occur in up to 20% of cases. Histologically, primary cutaneous ALCL consists of a diffuse dermal infiltrate of medium to large anaplastic/pleomorphic cells with abundant amphophilic-to-eosinophilic cytoplasm, horseshoe-shaped nuclei, strong and diffuse expression of CD30, and with focal or no epidermotropism. The neoplastic infiltrate may show angiocentric distribution and may extend to the subcutis. Patients with localized or multifocal disease have a similar prognosis with a 10-year overall survival rate of 90%. Approximately 30% of primary cutaneous ALCLs harbor a DUSP22 (6p25.3) gene rearrangement that results in decreased expression of this dual-specific phosphatase, decreased STAT3 activation, and decreased activity of immune and autoimmune-mediated mechanisms regulated by T-cells.

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare neoplasm most frequently associated with textured implant placement. The classic presentation consists of a persistent periprosthetic seroma. Implant removal and individualized adjuvant treatment are potentially curative interventions. Most BIA-ALCL present with a seroma, not with a breast and/or axillary mass. Knowledge of this presentation and how to manage it allows an adequate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment with excellent results. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 44-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of a right breast mass located in the lower medial quadrant, with associated right axillary lymphadenopathy. Medical history was significant for a mastoplasty with textured implants 15 years before the onset of her symptoms. Imaging studies and histological analysis helped to confirm the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL. A bilateral capsulectomy was performed and adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy were administered. With these interventions, the patient had complete resolution of her symptoms, good cosmetic results, and absence of tumor activity detectable by positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-CT FDG) at a 2.5-year follow-up. DISCUSSION: This case describes an atypical presentation of BIA-ALCL as a breast mass, as well as lymph node and bone marrow involvement. Knowledge of the different presentation modalities of this pathology is necessary for a correct diagnosis and treatment. Through a multidisciplinary approach, adequate treatment was given with excellent results. CONCLUSION: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma associated with breast implants is a clinicopathological entity still little known in some medical fields. A variety of presentations must be considered, and high clinical suspicion must be maintained in patients with a history of textured breast implant placement to optimize diagnosis and avoid delays in treatment.

RESUMO

El cáncer de mama sigue siendo una de las principales prioridades en salud global y salud pública y permanece como la neoplasia maligna más frecuente y mortal en mujeres en el mundo. El linfoma anaplásico de células grandes asociado a implante mamario (LACG-AIM) consiste en un linfoma no-Hodgkin de tipo raro, del cual se desconoce mucho sobre su patogenia y fisiopatología, pero que se ve cada vez con mayor frecuencia, debido al aumento de procedimientos estéticos. A la fecha, existen limitaciones en cuanto al conocimiento sobre el comportamiento clínico y se manifiesta de muchas formas, con un tiempo de evolución variable, y desenlaces quirúrgicos inciertos a mediano y largo plazo. Con base en lo anterior, el objetivo de esta revisión consiste en resumir evidencia sobre las consideraciones clínicas y desenlaces quirúrgicos del cáncer asociado a implante mamario, que faciliten la identificación y abordaje de esta condición. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en los motores de búsqueda y bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, EBSCO y MEDLINE. Dentro de las consideraciones clínicas y quirúrgicas, se debe tener en cuenta el tipo de implante utilizado (texturizado), el tiempo del antecedente del implante, la severidad de las manifestaciones y la estadificación, para poder determinar la oportunidad de intervención quirúrgica y terapia neoadyuvante e intentar garantizar la supervivencia y evitar recurrencia. Aquellos pacientes sometidos a capsulectomía completa acompañado de radioterapia tienen mejores desenlaces.

Breast cancer continues to be one of the main priorities in global health and public health, and remains the most frequent and deadly malignant neoplasm in women worldwide. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, whose pathogenesis and pathophysiology are not well known, but which is seen with increasing frequency due to the increase in cosmetic procedures. To date, there are limitations in terms of knowledge about the clinical behavior of the disease, which can manifest itself in many forms, with a variable evolution time and uncertain surgical outcomes in the medium- and long-term. Based on the above, the aim of this review is to summarize evidence on the clinical considerations and surgical outcomes of breast implant-associated cancer to facilitate the identification and management of this condition. A bibliographic search was performed in the search engines and databases pubmed, sciencedirect, embase, ebsco and medline. Within the clinical and surgical considerations, the type of implant used (textured), the time of the implant history, the severity of the manifestations, and the staging, must be taken into account in order to determine the opportunity for surgical intervention and neoadjuvant therapy, and to try to guarantee survival and avoid recurrence. Patients who undergo complete capsulectomy with radiotherapy have better outcomes.

RESUMO

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is children's most common mature T-cell neoplasm. The majority is positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Initial presentation as a soft-tissue pelvic mass without nodal involvement is rare and can be easily misdiagnosed. We report a case of a 12-year-old male presenting with pain and movement restriction in the right extremity. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a solitary pelvic mass. Initial biopsy examination concluded rhabdomyosarcoma. After developing pediatric multisystemic inflammatory syndrome due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), central and peripheral lymph node enlargement appeared. New cervical adenopathy and pelvic mass biopsies were performed. Immunohistochemistry concluded an ALK-positive ALCL with a small-cell pattern. The patient was treated with brentuximab-based chemotherapy and eventually improved. Differential diagnosis of pelvic masses in children and adolescents must include ALCL. An inflammatory trigger may promote the appearance of a typical nodal disease, previously absent. Attention is warranted during histopathological examination to avoid diagnostic errors.

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Laryngeal cancer ranks third among the most common head and neck neoplasms. The most common histological subtype is squamous cell carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors are rare. An even rarer entity is a composite tumor with both these histologies. This case reports a metastatic combined carcinoma of squamous cells and large neuroendocrine cells, presenting favorable response to treatment with a total laryngectomy followed by adjuvant therapy including chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy.

RESUMO

Abstract Intratumoral similarities and differences between large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) and small-cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs) are determined partially by the Notch signaling pathway, which controls the switch from neuroendocrine to slight/non-neuroendocrine cell fate. LCNECs are divided into two subgroups according to genomic alterations: type I LCNECs exhibit a neuroendocrine profile characterized by achaete‐scute homolog 1 (ASCL1)high/delta-like protein 3 (DLL3)high/NOTCHlow and type II LCNECs show the pattern ASCL1low/DLL3low/NOTCHhigh. Here, we used immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and digital analysis to examine the role of the Notch ligand DLL3 as an immunomarker of the neuroendocrine state and ASCL1 as a regulator of cell-cell interactions in SCLCs and LCNECs. High DLL3 and ASCL1 expression was associated with atypical submicroscopic characteristics involving nuclear size, chromatin arrangement, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum, and was characteristic of type I LCNECs with similarity to SCLCs, whereas low DLL3 and ASCL1 expression was found in both SCLCs and type II LCNECs. In patients diagnosed at an early stage who did not have metastasis and who underwent chemotherapy, DLL3high and ASCL1high SCLCs and type I LCNECs were associated with a better prognosis and a lower risk of death. The present findings suggested that DLL3/ASCL1 are potential therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators in patients with SCLCs or LCNECs.

RESUMO

Introdução: Em 1963 Cronin e Gerow introduziram o uso do implante de silicone e seu uso aumentou exponencialmente. Contudo, complicações relacionadas aos implantes surgiram ao longo do tempo. O conjunto de situações adversas ao uso dos implantes de silicone, alimentado pelo crescimento das mídias sociais, culminou em um aumento da retirada definitiva do implante. Muitos casos de explante têm o pedículo inferior comprometido pela lesão dos vasos perfurantes e a técnica dos retalhos cruzados é uma alternativa para a reconstrução das mamas explantadas. Métodos: Foram realizados explantes de silicone com reconstrução imediata da mama sem o uso de um novo implante, motivados por indicação médica ou por desejo próprio do paciente. A técnica dos retalhos cruzados foi utilizada em todos os casos. Ela se vale do cruzamento de retalhos parenquimatosos de pedículo superior, um medial e outro lateral, conforme descrito por Sperli. Resultados: Foram operados 10 casos de 2004 a 2021. O tempo de uso das próteses variou de 3 a 19 anos e a principal motivação para o explante foi contratura capsular. Nenhum caso de necrose foi observado. Conclusões: A técnica dos retalhos cruzados é uma alternativa útil e segura para as cirurgias de reconstrução da mama após explante definitivo.

Introduction: In 1963 Cronin and Gerow introduced the use of the silicone implant and its use increased exponentially. However, complications related to implants emerged over time. The set of adverse situations to the use of silicone implants fueled by the growth of social media culminated in an increase in the permanent removal of the implant. Many cases of explants have the inferior pedicle compromised by injury to the perforating vessels, and the crossed flap technique is an alternative for the reconstruction of explanted breasts. Methods: Silicone explants were performed with immediate breast reconstruction without the use of a new implant, motivated by medical indication or the patients own desire. The crossed flap technique was used in all cases. It uses the crossing of parenchymal patches of the superior pedicle, one medial and one lateral, as described by Sperli. Results: 10 cases were operated from 2004 to 2021. The time of use of the prostheses ranged from 3 to 19 years and the main motivation for the explant was capsular contracture. No cases of necrosis were observed. Conclusions: The crossed flap technique is a useful and safe alternative for breast reconstruction surgeries after definitive explantation.

RESUMO

We described a breast papillary lesion related to silicone breast implant exposure. The case report is in accordance with our initial publication, where we proposed that silicone particles may trigger a process of reverse morphogenesis in pericapsular tissue resulting in metaplasia of the epithelial cells. The relationship between breast metaplasia and silicone implants is still little discussed in the literature. Our current study is based on evidence obtained from the files of a patient with a six-year-old history of silicone breast implant, which resulted in a diagnosis of a papillary lesion after a percutaneous breast biopsy. Currently, the main complications related to implants reported in the literature are intra- and extra-capsular ruptures, capsular contracture, and the most severe, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, another complication not yet widely accepted in the literature is breast implant illness, resulting from silicone induced granuloma of breast implant capsule. Many medical specialists are skeptical about silicone disease potential and argue the lack of scientific evidence to support its existence. We believe that presenting these findings and the appropriate discussion of the results should contribute to a better understanding of the pathologies related to breast implants. It is worth mentioning that the safety of breast implants must be questioned.

RESUMO

The aim of the present study was to integrate the available data published in the literature on oral and maxillofacial neuroendocrine carcinomas concerning the demographic, clinical and histopathological features of this condition. An electronic search with no publication date restriction was undertaken in April 2021 in four databases. Eligibility criteria included reports published in English having enough data to confirm a definite diagnosis, always showing a neuroendocrine marker. Cases originating in the oropharynx, including base of the tongue and tonsils, were excluded. Outcomes were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method along with Cox regression. Twenty-five articles (29 cases) from nine different countries were detected. Mean patient age was 56.3 (± 17.5) years, with a slight male predilection. Symptomatology was present in 72.2% of informed cases. Regarding clinical presentation, a non-ulcerated nodule located in the gingiva with a mean size of 3.4 (± 2.0) cm was most frequently reported. Concomitant metastasis was identified in seven individuals. Histopathologically, most neoplasms were of the small cell type, and immunohistochemistry for both epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation was used in 65.5% cases. Radical surgery was the treatment of choice in almost all cases, with or without adjuvant therapy. Mean follow-up was 20.5 (± 21.2) months, and only four patients developed recurrences. Eleven (44.0%) individuals died due to the disease. Ulcerated lesions were a prognostic factor. This study provides knowledge that can assist surgeons, oncologists, and oral and maxillofacial pathologists with the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine carcinomas. Our findings demonstrated that the long-term prognosis of this lesion continues to be poor.

Assuntos

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: The combination of cytology and multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) may be useful in the diagnosis of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and may be a practical way to differentiate lymphoma from benign and reactive seromas. Although the Brazilian breast implant market is the second largest in the world, with several manufacturers and the almost exclusive use of textured implants, the occurrence of BIA-ALCL in Brazil is underreported. METHODS: One hundred seventeen sequential collections of suspicious periprosthetic fluid (PF) from 105 Brazilian patients registered between March/2018 and March/2021 were evaluated by routine cytomorphology and flow cytometry. The combination of CD30, HLA-DR, and CD25 was used together with T and B lymphocyte and monocyte evaluation. The PF samples were divided into positive, acute reactive (neutrophilic exudate), or chronic reactive (macrophage or lymphocyte rich), and unavailable samples. RESULTS: Nine BIA-ALCL positive cases (7.7%) were identified, with typical morphology and increased FSC/SSC dispersion, bright expression of CD30, CD25 and HLA-DR, and absence or weakness of T-cell antigens (CD3, CD8, CD4, CD5, and CD7). Reactive samples were acute (n = 18, 15.4%) and chronic (n = 70, 59.8%). Twenty samples were excluded. The mean age of BIA-ALCL patients was 50 years (31-57 years) and 35 years in reactive patients (20-69 years). CONCLUSION: Use of MFC with a comprehensive antibody panel consisting of CD30 in conjunction with CD25 and HLA-DR can discriminate anaplastic cells of BIA-ALCL from lymphoid or neutrophilic reactive cells and should be considered in the initial evaluation of seroma.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: This study aims to describe immunophenotypic explorations at diagnosis and follow up of a pediatric patient with leukemic phase of ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) by multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC). CASE: An 8-color MFC combination of antibodies allowed to identify neoplastic cells in concentrations until 0.02% during minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring. Immunophenotypic shifts occurred in key markers as CD30, CD7, CD2, and CD5, however neoplastic cells were clearly discriminated from normal populations. CONCLUSION: MFC can be a useful tool for ALCL diagnosis and MRD monitoring and may support therapeutic decisions.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare, high-grade, T-cell neoplasm classified into cutaneous primary, systemic primary ALK-positive (ALKþ), systemic primary ALK-negative, or breast-implant associated. Secondary involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) by systemic primary ALKþ ALCL is a rare occurrence. We present a case of CNS involvement by ALKþ ALCL eleven years after diagnosis of the primary tumor in the thoracic vertebra. The anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ALKþ ALCL. A brief review of the treatment and the clinical and pathological aspects is presented.

O linfoma anaplásico de grandes células (LAGC) corresponde a uma neoplasia de alto grau rara, com imunofenótipo T, que podendo ser dividido em primário cutâneo, primário sistêmico ALK positivo (ALKþ), primário sistêmico ALK negativo, e associado a próteses mamárias. Acometimento secundário do sistema nervoso central (SNC) por LAGC primário sistêmico ALKþ é uma rara entidade. Os autores apresentam um caso de acometimento do SNC por LAGC ALKþ onze anos após o diagnóstico do tumor primário em vértebra torácica. O exame anatomopatológico confirmou o diagnóstico de LAGC ALKþ. Fez-se também uma breve revisão de aspectos clínicos e patológicos e tratamento.

RESUMO

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma involving the non-mammary implant is an extremely rare presentation. Irrespective of the type or site, the implant-associated primary ALCL is morphologically and immunophenotypically similar to ALK-negative ALCLs. Herein, we present the case of a 42-year-old male who developed a lytic lesion after an implant for a right femur fracture. The lytic lesion biopsy revealed anaplastic large cell lymphoma with ALK protein expression. Imaging findings showed the widespread dissemination of disease all over the body, entrapping the implant too. ALCL involving the bone implant is a very unusual and rare presentation that needs to be documented.

RESUMO

Resumen En los últimos años, han aparecido evidencias que relacionan a un tipo de linfoma mamario con los implantes de silicona, lo que ha causado gran conmoción a nivel mundial. Este linfoma anaplástico de células grandes no Hodgkin (células T monoclonales), se ha visto asociado en mayoría de los casos, a las prótesis mamarias texturizadas. Es relativamente raro, ya que se puede presentar en 1 de cada 2.832 operados (as) y se puede manifestar como un seroma periprotésico o como una tumoración de la cápsula cicatrizal mamaria con o sin compromiso de la glándula y de los tejidos adyacentes.

In recent years, evidence has appeared linking a type of breast lymphoma with silicone implants, which has caused great commotion worldwide. This anaplastic large cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (monoclonal T cells) has been associated in most cases with textured breast implants. It is relatively rare, since it can occur in 1 in 2832 operated on and it can manifest as a periprosthetic seroma or as a tumor of the mammary scar capsule with or without involvement of the gland and adjacent tissues.

Assuntos

RESUMO

RESUMO A mamoplastia com próteses é uma das cirurgias plásticas mais realizadas no mundo. O processo cicatricial ao redor do implante e a presença de um biofilme pode acarretar o desenvolvimento de patologias como contratura capsular e seroma. Essas patologias parecem estar relacionadas fisiopatologicamente com o desenvolvimento do linfoma associado aos implantes mamários (BIA-ALCL), sendo este também um diagnóstico diferencial. A proposta deste trabalho é relatar o caso de uma paciente com desconforto mamário, que após 2 cirurgias prévias para drenagem de seroma e troca de próteses, apresentava desconforto mamário e alteração em exames de imagens da mama esquerda. Sendo submetida a uma capsulectomia em bloco da mama esquerda e completa à direita, tendo suas próteses substituídas. Os exames para investigação de BIA-ALCL foram negativos e os achados patológicos foram sugestivos de contratura capsular à esquerda e formação de dupla cápsula à direita. O trabalho enfatiza a importância do diagnóstico diferencial em patologias mamárias, o acompanhamento a longo prazo e medidas de profilaxia na formação do biofilme.

Abstract Mammoplasty with prostheses is one of the most performed plastic surgeries in the world. However, the healing process around the implant and the presence of a biofilm can lead to the development of pathologies such as capsular contracture and seroma. These pathologies seem to be physiologically related to the development of lymphoma associated with breast implants (BIA-ALCL), which is also a differential diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to report the case of a patient with breast discomfort who, after two previous surgeries for seroma drainage and prosthesis replacement, presented breast discomfort and alteration in imaging of the left breast. She was, submitted to a capsulectomy in a block of the left breast and complete on the right, having her prostheses replaced. Bia-ALCL investigation tests were negative and pathological findings were suggestive of left capsular contracture and double capsule formation on the right. The study emphasizes the importance of differential diagnosis in mammary pathologies, long-term follow-up, and prophylaxis measures in biofilm formation.

RESUMO

Cardiac lymphoma is a rare entity. In this setting, the secondary involvement of the heart is far more frequent than the primary cardiac lymphoma. Herein, we present an autopsy case of a disseminated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma with a dominant mediastinal involvement. Extensive cardiac infiltration with the near replacement of the myocardial wall by the neoplastic cells was observed. A total of nine isolated case reports of anaplastic large cell lymphoma with cardiac involvement were found in the English-language literature, and a widespread cardiac and thymic infiltration by the systemic ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma has not been documented. An incidental regenerative nodule was also identified in the liver. The patient died of pulmonary thromboembolism and cardiac arrest.

RESUMO

Complications related to breast implants have received much attention recently. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, silicone-induced granuloma of breast implant capsule, and breast implant illness are the main complications reported in the medical literature. However, the literature contains limited evidence regarding the possibility of silicone implants eliciting breast carcinoma. In this manuscript, we propose a theory in which the immune response to silicone breast implant gel bleeding acts as a triggering point for tumor oncogenesis in breast tissue. This hypothesis is derived from our findings of a case of invasive and undifferentiated medullary carcinoma in a patient with a silicone breast implant. The following concepts have been used to support this theory: 1) silicone bleeding from intact breast implants; 2) metaplasia: an adaptation to injury and precursor to dysplasia and cancer; 3) T-cell dysfunction in cancer immunity; 4) inhibitory cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME); 5) morphogenesis and bauplan; and 6) concepts underlying medullary carcinoma. We propose that the inflammatory process in response to silicone particles in the pericapsular glandular tissue favors the development of cellular mutations in specialized epithelial cells. This reverse morphogenesis could have resulted in breast carcinoma of the medullary type in the present case.