Secretory Carcinoma
Also written as: SC — Secretory Carcinoma
A low-grade salivary gland malignancy defined by ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion, formerly known as mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC).
Full Definition
Secretory carcinoma (SC) was formerly termed mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) because of its morphological and molecular resemblance to secretory carcinoma of the breast, sharing the pathognomonic ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion. In 2017, the WHO reclassified it as simply 'secretory carcinoma' to reflect its salivary gland identity. Histologically, it shows microcystic, tubular, and solid growth patterns with eosinophilic, bubbly secretory material. Editors must update references to 'MASC' in contemporary manuscripts to 'secretory carcinoma' and note that the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion is the defining molecular feature. It should not be confused with acinic cell carcinoma despite morphological overlap.
Usage
Usage note: Flag 'MASC' as a superseded term in manuscripts dated post-2017. Always note the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion when defining this entity.
In Context
- "Molecular testing confirmed ETV6-NTRK3 fusion, establishing the diagnosis of secretory carcinoma, formerly classified as MASC." — Molecular pathology report
- "The editor updated 'mammary analogue secretory carcinoma' to 'secretory carcinoma' throughout the manuscript as per current WHO terminology." — Copy-editing note