Metastatic carcinoma of the breast with inguinal lymph node involvement: a report of two cases.
BACKGROUND
Metastatic carcinoma of the breast may display varied clinicopathological patterns. Lymphatic spread to the inguinal lymph nodes is, however, very rare.


OBJECTIVE
To report two cases of advanced breast carcinoma with metastases to the inguinal lymph nodes in two Nigerian women.


METHODS
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.


METHODS
Two Nigerian women, one aged 40 years with an invasive lobular carcinoma of the right breast, and the other aged 48 years with an infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the left breast, presented with metastases to their corresponding inguinal lymph nodes diagnosed by open biopsy.


RESULTS
The first had a right simple mastectomy done and was lost to follow up before any adjuvant therapy could be administered. The second died before any definitive treatment could be offered.


CONCLUSIONS
Metastasis to the inguinal nodes is rare and signifies an advanced disease. The pathogenesis is speculative, probably from retrograde embolisation.
Jebbin
N J
NJ
Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, P. M. B. 6173, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Adotey
J M
JM