General surgical pathologists and residents are not consistently exposed to mesenchymal tumors of the breast. Compounding this problem, some carcinomas may be purely spindled or even show heterologous mesenchymal differentiation. There are also reactive conditions which can mimic sarcomas. In addition, the tissue may be altered by changes often seen after treatment for breast cancer. When faced with these lesions, the pathologist may struggle with such fundamental questions as: Is this mesenchymal in origin or a non-mesenchymal mimic? Is it benign or malignant? Is it even a true neoplasm? What is the most effective way to approach this case?

This course will use a case-based approach to provide a framework for the discussion of mesenchymal tumors of the breast. The selected cases will be pre-circulated with a brief history and a representative glass slide. A comprehensive syllabus will be provided at the course and CD of the course material will be provided to participants at the end of the course.

Upon completion of this course, participants will: 1) Become familiar with the spectrum of benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors that are found in the breast. 2) Have a systematic approach to the diagnosis of mesenchymal tumors of the breast. 3) Be familiar with ancillary tests to help establish an accurate diagnosis.

(New Course) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM's credits.