Isolated bilateral ovarian metastasis from recurrent mucinous breast cancer: Imaging and histopathologic challenges

Authors

  • Nour Marroun Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9377-7801
  • Luc Baeyens Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Place A. Van Gehuchten 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
  • Sophie L Lecomte Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Place A. Van Gehuchten 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
  • Eléna F D’hondt École de Bioingénierie de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F. Roosevelt 50, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
  • Nathalie A Hottat Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Place A. Van Gehuchten 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium and department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.6134

Abstract

Background: Ovarian metastases from mucinous breast cancer are rare and can mimic primary ovarian neoplasms. We report a case of isolated ovarian metastasis from recurrent mucinous breast carcinoma, highlighting imaging-pathology correlations. 

Case Report: A 46-year-old woman, treated in 2016 for left mucinous breast cancer (pT2N2M0; mastectomy, adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, hormonotherapy), achieved remission. In 2021, rising carcinoma antigen CA 15-3 prompted evaluation. PET-CT and pelvic MRI revealed a large enhancing right ovarian mass with solid and cystic component (O-RADS 5); histopathology after bilateral oophorectomy confirmed bilateral metastatic mucinous carcinoma concordant with primary tumor.

Conclusion: This case highlights the need to consider metastatic disease in ovarian masses, particularly if there is a history of mucinous breast cancer. Multimodality imaging and immunohistochemistry are essential to differentiate a primary ovarian malignancy from a metastasis.

Keywords: 

*Mucinous breast carcinoma; Ovarian metastasis; Magnetic resonance imaging; O-RADS MRI, CA 15-3 biomarker; Immunohistochemistry* 

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Published

2026-07-31

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 7 (2026)

Section

General Radiology

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