alcian-blue and Carcinoma--Ductal--Breast

To compare the shape of the sonographic image of invasive breast cancer with the shape of the corresponding histopathologic section stained for components of the extracellular matrix, hyaluronan, and collagen.. We studied 22 cases of breast carcinoma. Among them, 13 were visible on both sonography and mammography, whereas 9 were visible only on sonography. We compared the sonographic images with the histologic sections of the same carcinomas after staining with alcian blue for hyaluronan and Masson trichrome for collagen.. We have shown that the shape of the sonographic image of breast cancer is similar to the shape of its hyaluronan extracellular matrix.. This finding explains why breast sonography is so sensitive for detection of invasive carcinoma and why some invasive cancers are not visible on mammography.

Topics: Alcian Blue; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast; Coloring Agents; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Middle Aged; Ultrasonography, Mammary

Three cases of nodular mucinosis of the breast are presented. They occurred in one male and two female patients. The patients had no signs of Carney's syndrome. All lesions were located under the nipple. They were poorly circumscribed and unencapsulated. They were soft and had a gelatinous consistency and white color. No patient had any evidence of recurrence or metastasis 6 months, 3 years and 6 years, respectively, after the surgical excision. The mucinous tissue consisted of acid mucopolysaccharides, which stained Alcian blue, Hale's colloidal iron positively, and they were periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) negative. Mucicarmine reaction was only faintly positive. The lesion should be distinguished particularly from mucocele-like lesions of the breast by the location, nodular arrangement, absence of accompanying ductal hyperplasia and staining properties of the mucous substances.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous; Adult; Alcian Blue; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Neoplasms, Male; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Ki-67 Antigen; Male; Mucocele; Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction