The histologic phenotypes of breast carcinoma occurring before age 40 years in women with and without BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutations

Abstract

Breast carcinoma occurring in women with a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have recognizable histologic phenotypes, which may be useful in identifying individuals more likely to carry germline mutations. Histologic examination of breast carcinoma should become an important part of the evaluation of women seeking genetic testing for germline mutations in these breast carcinoma susceptibility genes.