Breast cancer metastatic to the uterine cervix: analysis of a rare event.

A patient with cervical metastases leading to the diagnosis of a primary breast cancer is presented. To better define the frequency, symptoms, and characteristics of breast cancer metastasizing to the uterine cervix, all cases reported in the literature since 1950 are reviewed. This analysis reveals that in 21% of these cases, metastases were found before or at the same time as the primary tumor. The most common presenting symptom was abnormal vaginal bleeding (57%), but in 32% of the patients, no clinical sign was present. Because 41% of the reported cases were found only at autopsy, the characteristics of this kind of metastatic breast cancer, effectiveness of diagnostic procedures, and treatment options are critically discussed.