Here are 7 key points – Must know for pathology boards about secretory carcinoma of breast

Secretory carcinoma of breast in very rare. It harbours unique characteristics which aid in the diagnosis.

1. Secretory carcinoma was earlier known as juvenile breast cancer, but later renamed as secretory carcinoma of breast. This is the most common breast cancer occuring in children. However, it is reported in all age groups.

2. Microscopically, microcystic, tubular or solid pattern may be observed. A combination of the three is also frequent.

3. Intra and extra luminal secretions are present which are PAS- positive and diastase resistant.

4. Most tumors have translocation yielding ETV6-NTRK3 fusion gene ( t(12;15).

5. Secretory carcinoma of breast express triple negative molecular phenotype

6. Unlike most triple negative tumors which are TP53 mutant, srcretory carcinomas do not show TP53 mutation.

7. Secretory carcinomas also lack gain of 1q and 16 q loss, characteristic of the low grade tumorigenesis pathway.

Click below for a quick summary