Distribution of mast cells in the axillary lymph nodes of breast cancer patients
Naik, R.; Baliga, P.; Bansal, R.; Pai, M.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association 95(12): 606-607
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5847 PMID: 9586403 Document Number: 275667
The mast cell profile in the axillary lymph nodes of 50 consecutive women with breast cancer treated by modified radical mastectomy was investigated in a study conducted at Kasturba Medical College (Mangalore, India) in 1992-94. 33 of these women showed axillary lymph node metastasis while the remaining 17 exhibited nodes with reactive changes. 20 women (60.61%) with metastasis had fewer than five enlarged nodes. Metastasis was detected in all enlarged axillary nodes. In the women with reactive changes, 12 (70.59%) had fewer than five enlarged nodes. Mast cell counts were higher in women with sinus histiocytosis and reactive hyperplasia of the nodes than in women with metastasis. The mean mast cell count was 28.97/sq. mm in nodes with metastasis. In the presence of metastasis to any of the lymph nodes or in all enlarged lymph nodes, the mean mast cell count decreased to 25.64/sq. mm and 23.55/sq. mm, respectively. Mean mast cell count was lowest (10.50/sq. mm) in metaplastic carcinoma. Most mast cells were distributed around the tumor deposits. The role of mast cells in lymph node reactions in breast cancer patients merits further study.