General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602
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Breast cancer is one
of those diseases that can induce a tremendous desmoplastic response.
Here you will see many islands and clusters of malignant adenocarcinoma cells
with an abundant intervening densely collagenized stroma. See this slide with the virtual microscope. |
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You will see strands, cords and single file ("Indian file") arrangement of the malignant cells in the breast connective tissue. Mitotic figures may be rare. Some gland-like arrangements will be present. There is not a real marked degree of nuclear atypia in these malignant cells, but they are cancer all the same. The single file arrangement is real important in recognizing this tumor. We use this arrangement to help with identification when this tumor has metastasized to a remote site. Note the degree of collagen production in response to this tumor. This is referred to as a scirrhous reaction and sometimes this tumor is referred to as scirrhous carcinoma of the breast. |