Histochemical Patterns of Collagenic Fibers in the Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. An increased incidence of different types of breast cancer has been reported. This study was designed to evaluate the different types of breast cancer and its possible risk of neoplasmic transformation to an advanced malignant stage from a benign tumor. The histochemical patterns of collagen fibers in the benign and malignant breast lesions were evaluated. From the 50 tissue samples, 25 were malignant breast lesions and 25 were benign breast tumor. Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE), Van Gieson staining were performed to detect a benign and malignant tumor as well as collagen fibers. We found that significant cases after age of 35 were associated with ductal carcinoma while most of the cases within the age of 25 years were associated with fibrocystic changes. The intensity of collagen fiber was higher to Ductal Carcinoma while negative and less intense for Fibroblastic changes. Furthermore, a consistent association of other lesions, such as Lobular Carcinoma, Fibroadenoma, Papilloma and Fat necrosis and noticeable staining for collagen was observed for the different lesion. Our study suggested that women with age of 25 with benign lesion of fibrocystic change and ductal carcinoma are highly susceptible to develop advanced malignant tumor with age. Therefore, quantitative measurement of collagen fiber and regular follow-up are recommended to avoid the possible risk of developing advanced malignant lesions.