Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 overexpression.
• TNBC is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, associated with high mortality and recurrence rates.
• TNBC disproportionately affects younger women, Black women, and BRCA1 mutation carriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the radiologic and pathologic findings of TNBC.
• To highlight imaging characteristics that aid in TNBC diagnosis.
• To emphasize the importance of understanding TNBC features for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings (mammography, MRI) in TNBC.
• Correlation of radiologic findings with histopathologic classifications.
• Analysis of TNBC's unique demographic and clinical characteristics.

Main Results:

• TNBCs often appear as noncircumscribed masses without calcifications on mammography, sometimes mimicking benign lesions.
• MRI is highly sensitive for TNBC detection, frequently showing rim enhancement.
• MRI is also the most accurate modality for assessing response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Radiologic and pathologic features of TNBC are distinct and crucial for diagnosis.
• Early recognition of TNBC imaging characteristics can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Understanding TNBC's aggressive nature and unique presentation is vital for clinical management.