Identification of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Based on Sonomammographic Findings

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease with various morphologic, biologic, and molecular features. Ultrasonographic imaging provides valuable predictive signs for different molecular subtypes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents about 12.5% of BC cases and is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of sono-mammography in predicting TNBC and differentiating it from other molecular subtypes and benign lesions.
Patients and methods: This prospective cohort study included 72 patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Diagnostic processes involved clinical examinations, history-taking, digital mammography, and high-resolution ultrasound (US), with biopsies sent for pathological analysis.
Results: Significant differences were observed between TNBC and other molecular subtypes in terms of lesion size and characteristics. Lesions smaller than 3 cm typically showed benign features (oval shape, microlobulated margins), while larger lesions exhibited malignant characteristics (irregular shape, speculated margins).
Conclusions: Sono-mammographic findings are promising tools for distinguishing TNBC from other breast cancer subtypes, particularly in small lesions.