Overview
Rare malignant breast tumor (Orphanet code 180257) is a broad classification encompassing uncommon malignant neoplasms arising in the breast tissue that do not fall under the more frequently diagnosed invasive ductal or invasive lobular carcinomas. This category includes a heterogeneous group of rare histological subtypes such as secretory carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast, metaplastic carcinoma, inflammatory breast carcinoma, and other exceptionally uncommon malignant breast neoplasms. These tumors primarily affect the breast but may spread to regional lymph nodes and distant organs including the lungs, bones, liver, and brain depending on the specific subtype and stage at diagnosis. Clinical presentation varies by subtype but commonly includes a palpable breast mass, skin changes (such as dimpling, retraction, or ulceration), nipple discharge (sometimes bloody), axillary lymphadenopathy, and breast pain. Some subtypes, such as inflammatory breast carcinoma, may present with diffuse breast swelling, erythema, and skin thickening resembling an infection. Because these are rare entities, diagnosis often requires specialized histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, and sometimes molecular testing to distinguish them from more common breast cancers. Treatment approaches generally follow principles of breast cancer management but are tailored to the specific rare subtype. Options include surgical resection (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy, hormonal therapy (for hormone receptor-positive subtypes), and targeted therapies (such as HER2-directed agents when applicable). Due to the rarity of these tumors, evidence-based treatment guidelines are often limited, and management may rely on case series, expert consensus, and extrapolation from data on more common breast cancers. Multidisciplinary care involving oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and genetic counselors is recommended, particularly when a hereditary predisposition syndrome (such as BRCA1/BRCA2-related) is suspected.
Also known as:
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
10 eventsSeoul National University Hospital — NA
Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust — NA
OnKure, Inc. — PHASE1
Pfizer — PHASE1
Medical College of Wisconsin — NA
Canadian Cancer Trials Group — PHASE2
Johns Hopkins University — NA
SWOG Cancer Research Network — PHASE3
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group — PHASE3
Ellence: FDA approved
Component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer.
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
6 availableAbraxane
ABRAXANE is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior therapy should have…
ABRAXANE is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline unless clinically contraindicated.
Tamoxifen Citrate
Tamoxifen citrate tablets, USP are effective in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in women and men.
Halaven
HALAVEN is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer who have previously received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of metastatic disease. Prior ther…
HALAVEN is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer who have previously received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of metastatic disease. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting.
Taxol
indicated for the adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer administered sequentially to standard doxorubicin-containing combination chemotherapy
Fareston
indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive or unknown tumors
Ellence
Component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer.
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersMassachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, Massachusetts
👤 Matthew Frigault, MD
👤 Janssen Research & Development, LLC Clinical Trial
Banner University Medical Center - Tucson
📍 Tucson, Arizona
University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Center
📍 Birmingham, Alabama
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
📍 Little Rock, Arkansas
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
📍 Los Angeles, California
👤 Janssen Research & Development, LLC Clinical Trial
University of Michigan
📍 Ann Arbor, Michigan
👤 Janssen Research & Development, LLC Clinicaltrial
CHI Saint Vincent Cancer Center Hot Springs
📍 Hot Springs, Arkansas
University of Arizona Cancer Center-North Campus
📍 Tucson, Arizona
Financial Resources
6 resourcesHerceptin
Genentech
Breast Cancer
Herceptin Hylecta
Genentech
Breast Cancer
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Rare malignant breast tumor.
Community
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Rare malignant breast tumor
1 articlesCaregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Common questions about Rare malignant breast tumor
What is Rare malignant breast tumor?
Rare malignant breast tumor (Orphanet code 180257) is a broad classification encompassing uncommon malignant neoplasms arising in the breast tissue that do not fall under the more frequently diagnosed invasive ductal or invasive lobular carcinomas. This category includes a heterogeneous group of rare histological subtypes such as secretory carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast, metaplastic carcinoma, inflammatory breast carcinoma, and other exceptionally uncommon malignant breast neoplasms. These tumors primarily affect the breast but may spread to regional lymph nodes and distant
At what age does Rare malignant breast tumor typically begin?
Typical onset of Rare malignant breast tumor is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Rare malignant breast tumor?
Yes — 9 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Rare malignant breast tumor on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Rare malignant breast tumor?
8 specialists and care centers treating Rare malignant breast tumor are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Rare malignant breast tumor?
8 patient support programs are currently tracked on UniteRare for Rare malignant breast tumor. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.