What type of breast cancer is characterized by the absence of hormone receptors?

Triple Negative Breast Cancer is characterized by the absence of hormone receptors. This type of breast cancer does not express estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). As a result, it doesn't respond to hormonal therapies that target these receptors, making treatment options more limited and often necessitating a combination of chemotherapy and sometimes targeted therapies.

This absence of hormone receptors is what distinguishes triple negative breast cancer from other forms, where such receptors might be present. For example, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of cancer that typically has a better prognosis and does not usually reflect the characteristics found in triple negative breast cancer. Angiosarcoma is a rare cancer that arises from the cells lining blood vessels and is not classified under the standard receptor-positive or negative categories attributed to breast cancers. Paget's disease of the nipple involves changes in the skin and underlying tissues, but does not specifically relate to the absence of hormone receptors.

Understanding the characteristics of triple negative breast cancer is crucial for breast health navigation, as it determines the course of treatment and patient management.