Mast cell changes and tumour dissemination in human breast carcinoma
Hartveit, F.; Thoresen, S.; Tangen, M.; Maartmann-Moe, H.
Invasion and Metastasis 4(3): 146-155
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0251-1789 PMID: 6207134 Document Number: 229622
In breast carcinoma metachromasia on staining of the primary tumor with toluidine blue is related to mast cell changes and an infiltrative as opposed to an expansive growth form. In 73 patients the presence of metachromasia in the zone of host-tumor interaction, just beyond the edge of the tumor cells, was associated with poor short-term survival, giving greater discrimination than, for example, axillary nodal status or histological grade. Twelve of 19 patients with metachromasia in this zone died within 5 yr of operation. The reaction is not only related to local infiltrative growth, but may also reflect the tumor potential for metastatic spread. In the absence of metachromasia in this zone death occurred mainly in patients with poorly differentiated tumors. The possible mechanisms involved are discussed. It is stressed that stromal metachromasia is not tumor specific, but that in certain areas, under defined circumstances, it may give information of both prognostic and biological interest.