Metastatic Breast Cancer in 52-year-old Cadaver

Introduction:

Breast cancer commonly spreads through lymphatic drainage to the axillary region before disseminating systemically. This cadaveric case study describes the gross anatomical findings of advanced metastatic breast carcinoma identified during routine dissection.

Methods:

Dissection was performed on a 52-year-old female during a gross anatomy laboratory. Cancer was documented through photos. Permissions were obtained from the body donation program to document and publish the findings.

Results:

The primary tumor was located in the right breast, with metastases observed in the right axilla, bilateral lungs, pectoralis minor muscle, and liver. Axillary involvement demonstrated prominent angiogenesis and mass effect, with associated atrophy of the right upper limb skeletal musculature consistent with probable brachial plexus compression.

Discussion:

Metastatic spread to skeletal muscle is rare and likely due to mechanical, metabolic, and immunologic factors that make muscle tissue a relatively unfavorable environment for tumor colonization. This case highlights the anatomical pathways of lymphatic and hematogenous dissemination while illustrating an uncommon pattern of muscular involvement. The findings underscore the educational value of cadaveric study in visualizing advanced oncologic progression and reinforcing clinically relevant anatomical relationships.