Correlation of mammographic appearance and molecular prognostic factors in high-grade breast carcinomas
Likaki-Karatza, E.; Ravazoula, P.; Androutsopoulos, G.; Michail, G.; Batistatou, A.; Tzorakoleftherakis, E.; Kalofonos, H.; Kourounis, G.
European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology 27(1): 39-41
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-2936 PMID: 16550966 Document Number: 603334
The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the mammographic appearance and the biologic characteristics of high-grade breast carcinomas.Three hundred and twenty patients with breast carcinomas were studied. Histological examination showed 83 (26%) high-grade ductal carcinomas. Immunchistochemistry was carried out by using antibodies against estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER-2/neu, p53 and cathepsin D. In 60/83 high-grade carcinomas we studied the mammographic appearance.Asymmetric density with poorly defined margins without microcalcifications was the major mammographic finding in 49/60 (similar to 82%) high-grade ductal carcinomas. HER-2/neu positivity (68.7%) and p53 positivity (48.2%) were statistically correlated with asymmetric density with poorly defined margins without microcalcifications in high-grade carcinomas. We observed loss of ER and PR receptors in 50%, whereas loss of PR receptors was observed in 65% of high-grade breast carcinomas. Cathepsin D (> 20%) was detected in 38.5% of high-grade carcinomas.Our findings suggest a significant relationship between mammographic appearance and biologic markers in high-grade breast carcinomas.