Elastosis in breast cancer

Abstract

The yellow streaks seen in scirrhous carcinoma of the breast are not the result of necrosis, as is usually stated. They consist of elastic tissue. Elastosis occurs in about 90% of scirrhous and infiltrating lobular carcinomas. Elastosis is a much less prominent feature of medullary carcinoma and the other “specialized” types of breast cancer. Focal elastosis is found mainly periductally and in vascular walls. Vascular elastosis affects veins preferentially. Diffuse elastosis often accompanies the focal varieties. Elastosis is thought to be mainly the result of factors emanating from infiltrating carcinoma cells. These factors stimulate fibroblasts and possibly other cells to produce elastic tissue. Elastosis accompanying duct carcinoma is usually an indicator of early infiltration. Elastosis, in the absence of overt signs of malignancy, needs careful appraisal. The diagnostic significance of elastosis is discussed. Its biological significance in breast cancer is a challenging problem awaiting solution.