Low-grade triple-negative breast carcinomas. A report of 2 cases and an update of current concepts

Triple negative breast cancer is defined by the lack of expression of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Significant molecular, morphological and clinical heterogeneity is present in this group of neoplasms. Although the majority are high-grade tumors, low-grade triple negative breast cancers can occur and their evolution, molecular characteristics and therapeutic management vary from the former. In the current review, we focus on the histological and immunohistochemical phenotypes of two new low-grade cases: an acinic cell carcinoma and an adenoid cystic carcinoma. Data originated from the pathology department of a third-level hospital over an 18-month period, within a breast cancer screening program. Low-grade triple negative cancers should be suspected in triple negative breast cancers with low proliferative rates as, unlike high-grade tumors, they require a multidisciplinary approach. They can be diagnosed at an early stage by immunohistochemistry using core needle biopsy.