Analysis of the microvasculature and tissue type ratios in normal vs. benign and malignant breast tissue.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the microvasculature and tissue type ratios in normal vs. benign and malignant breast tissue to establish a baseline for expected values against which future imaging studies can be benchmarked.


METHODS
Using computer-assisted techniques on immunostained breast tissue (normal [n = 28], fibrocystic [n = 37], fibroadenomas [n = 19], invasive carcinomas [n = 19]), values were obtained for microvessel density (MVD), mean vessel area (MVA), vessel orientation (shape) and epithelial:stromal ratio (E:S). Measurement reproducibility and the effects of fibroadenoma stromal hyalinization and fibrocystic disease severity were also tested.


RESULTS
Value ranges for the 4 diagnostic groups were significantly different (P < .001). For invasive breast carcinomas, E:S and MVD were significantly higher (P < .001) but MVA was smaller as compared to that in fibroadenomas. Peripherally vs. centrally there was no significant difference in MVD, MVA or vessel shape in the neoplasms. Decreases in E:S and MVD correlated with fibroadenoma stromal hyalinization. Increases in E:S and MVA correlated with more severe fibrocystic disease. Correlation coefficients for measurement reproducibility were high across the diagnostic categories.


CONCLUSIONS
This study established a specific, reproducible, computer-assisted technique and baseline of expected values for morphologic criteria in normal, benign and malignant breast tissue that may be used in the future to correlate new breast imaging responses with these underlying biologic properties.
Wells
Wendy A
WA
Departments of Pathology, Community and Family Medicine, and Radiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, USA. wendy.a.wells@dartmouth.edu
Daghlian
Charles P
CP
Tosteson
Tor D
TD
Grove
Margaret R
MR
Poplack
Steven P
SP
Knowlton-Soho
Sandra
S
Paulsen
Keith D
KD
D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000166:cytology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D018226:Fibroadenoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging