Intracystic carcinoma of the breast. A clinicopathologic entity

Two intracystic breast carcinomas with papillary pattern, one of which was argyrophilic, are reported, and their peculiar clinical features emphasized. The confusing terminology used in literature is also discussed. The fainly well-defined clinico-pathological features of these tumors allow them to be classed as a specific clinico-pathological variety of ductal breast carcinoma. The immunohistopathological study, which was negative to ALA, ACTH, GH, PRL and NSE, led us to consider the potential mucoid nature of the argyrophilic granules.