Unexpected association between breast cancer and molar pregnancy in a 52-year-old woman

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There was no prior discussion about the association between breast cancer and molar pregnancy, particularly at an advanced age. Through our case and a systematic review, we will discuss the relevance of ovarian castration in hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported the case of a 52-year-old woman, not yet menopausal, who was diagnosed with a right breast tumor classified as BI-RADS category 4. The anatomopathological analysis of mammary biopsy revealed an invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type (grade 2). Hormone receptors were positive. It was a HER2-negative Breast cancer. It was then decided to treat the patient with radical surgery followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonotherapy. The patient had a "Patey operation". The postoperative course was without significant complications. No medical or surgical castration was indicated in the expectation that chemotherapy would cause ovarian failure. Unlikely, during chemotherapy course our patient developed a molar pregnancy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Our case illustrates the possibility of pregnancy in non-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. The combination of tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors with ovarian suppression as standard adjuvant therapy may be recommended in such cases. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian function suppression in non-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer seems to be necessary. So that, we can avoid unexpected manifestations like molar pregnancy.