Acinic cell carcinoma of the breast: A comprehensive review

Breast. 2022 Dec:66:208-216. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2022.10.012. Epub 2022 Oct 28.

Abstract

Acinic cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare special subtype of breast cancer in the category of salivary gland-type tumors. It is morphologically similar to acinic cell carcinomas of salivary glands and pancreas and has a triple-negative phenotype (estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative, and Her-2/neu negative). Its molecular genomic features are more similar to triple-negative breast cancer of no special type than to its salivary gland counterpart. However, the clinical course of the mammary acinic cell carcinoma appears to be less aggressive than the usual triple-negative breast carcinomas. This review comprehensively summarizes the current literature on the clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of this rare and distinct subtype of breast cancer.

Keywords: Acinic cell carcinoma; Breast cancer; Salivary gland-type tumors; Special types.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell* / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell* / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / pathology