A Case of Breast Cancer Developed Diffuse Infiltrative Liver Metastases 21 Years after Breast Surgery

• Published in: Nihon Rinsho Geka Gakkai Zasshi (Journal of Japan Surgical Association) Vol. 77; no. 6; pp. 1341 - 1346
• Main Authors: TAKESHIMA, Masako, SHIMOSATO, Ayuko, MURATA, Yujiro, OGATA, Haruki, TERASHIMA, Hiroo, KISHIDA, Yukiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese; English
• Published: Japan Surgical Association 2016
• Subjects: breast cancer; diffuse infiltrative liver metastases; liver failure
• DOI: 10.3919/jjsa.77.1341
• ISSN: 1345-2843

The case involved a 74-year-old woman who underwent Patey's operation for left breast cancer in 1992, which was invasive lobular carcinoma, T2N2M0, stage IIIA, ER(+) and PgR(+). Despite postoperative endocrine therapy, bone metastasis appeared 4 years after the operation. Her clinical course had been followed on 5-FU oral administration, and exacerbation of the bone metastasis was noted in 2006. Drip infusion therapy with paclitaxel and zoledronic acid had been given to the patient in our clinic. In 2013, or 21st year after the breast surgery, she complained of general fatigue and easily getting tired. Blood analysis showed a prominent increase in the transaminase level. No demonstrable tumor lesion was revealed on imaging procedures, but her hepatic impairment became worse and she developed DIC. As a result of a hepatic biopsy, diffuse infiltrative liver metastases of invasive lobular carcinoma were diagnosed. Although treatment of the primary disease was done, the patient was already in the condition of hepatic failure and died as short as 16 days after admission or 11 days after the liver biopsy.