Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42015262›Full record

SynthesisWorld journal of surgical oncology2026

Ectopic breast cancer in vulva and other non-axillary sites: a systematic review.

Kai Hui Loo, Mei-Ju Hwang

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in World journal of surgical oncology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Kai Hui LooUniversity of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. kai.loo@wales.nhs.uk.
Mei-Ju HwangDepartment of General Surgery, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEctopic breast cancer (EBC) is a rare malignancy (0.3–0.6% of all breast cancers) that arises along the embryological milk line. While axillary EBC is better characterised and typically managed similarly to orthotopic breast cancer, the clinical features and management of non-axillary EBC remain poorly defined.

aimTo synthesise available data on the clinical presentation, histopathology, management, and outcomes of non-axillary EBC to refine treatment strategies.

methodsA systematic review of case reports and case series was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251035771). PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched up to April 2025. Study quality was assessed using the JBI checklist. Data were analysed descriptively using Microsoft Excel, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnosis, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes.

resultsSixty-one studies (63 patients) were included: 37 vulvar and 26 non-vulvar cases. Median age at diagnosis was 62. Lesions typically presented as painless nodules, with ulceration prompting attention. Invasive ductal adenocarcinoma was the most common histological subtype (39.7%), and oestrogen receptor positivity (82.5%) was frequent. Lymph node involvement was reported in 50.8% of cases. Organ metastases commonly involved bone, lung, and liver. Surgery was the main treatment, with adjuvant systemic therapy. Among cases with available follow-up (n = 50), recurrence and mortality rates were 18.0% (n = 9) and 16.0% (n = 8), respectively. Follow-up methods were poorly documented.

conclusionNon-axillary EBC shares clinical and pathological characteristics with orthotopic breast cancer. Multidisciplinary, site-adapted approach is recommended with applying breast cancer principles to systemic management. Increased clinical awareness and more consistent reporting are crucial to optimise future care and outcomes.

Indexed as

BreastBreast NeoplasmsChoristomaVulvar NeoplasmsFemaleHumansPrognosisEctopic breast cancerEmbryological remnantsExtra-mammary breast cancerNon-axillary ectopic breast cancerSystematic reviewVulvar ectopic breast cancer

Identifiers

PMID42015262
PMCPMC13227853

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.