Frequency and Pathologic Features of Triple Negative Breast Cancer at A Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Khurram Shehzad; Sadia Alam; Muhammad Usman Shams; Sabiha Riaz; Haseeb Ahmed Khan; Rizwan Ullah Khan

doi:10.29054/apmc/2021.1160

Khurram Shehzad Resident Doctor, Department of Pathology, FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan
Sadia Alam Resident Doctor, Department of Pathology, FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan
Muhammad Usman Shams Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan
Sabiha Riaz Professor, Department of Pathology, FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan
Haseeb Ahmed Khan Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan
Rizwan Ullah Khan Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, FMH College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2021.1160

Keywords: Breast cancer, TNBC, Triple Negative, Immunohistochemistry, Histopathology

Abstract

Background: Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are a subtype in the molecular classification of breast cancers and are defined by lack of expression of ER, PR and HER2. TNBCs show aggressive behavior, rapid growth, shorter survival & propensity for distant metastasis. Objective: This study was conducted to see the frequency and pathologic features of TNBC in our population to help in better understanding of this aggressive disease in Pakistani women. Study Design: Retrospective study. Settings: Department of Pathology, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore Pakistan. Duration: January 2011 to August 2016. Methodology: All the breast cancer cases in which immunohistochemistry for ER, PR and Her2 was performed at the Department of Pathology, Fatima Memorial Hospital (Lahore) from January 2011 to August 2016 were reviewed. TNBC cases were identified and the data was analyzed. Results: Out of total 246 breast cancer cases on which receptor studies were done, 46 (18.7%) cases of TNBC were identified. 71% of these cases were in women below the age of 50 years. The cancer involved right breast in 24 (52.1%) cases and left breast in 18 (39.1%) cases. 41 (89.1%) cases were invasive ductal carcinoma. 20 (43.5%) were grade 2 and 26 (56.5%) were grade 3. Conclusion: Frequency of TNBC in Pakistani population is 18.7% and it is affecting younger age females usually below 50 years of age.