Medullary carcinoma of the breast: an association with negative hormonal receptors.

The records of all patients undergoing breast surgery at one institution over a 6-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-two cases were found to meet the criteria for designation as medullary carcinoma of the breast. Estrogen receptor assay was performed in 20 cases and was negative in 75% of these patients; those with positive estrogen receptor assay had very low values. Progesterone receptor assay was performed in 10 of these patients and was found to be negative in 9. The one positive value was very low. Medullary carcinoma of the breast, in spite of a generally favorable prognosis, shows a consistent relationship with negative hormonal receptors.