Angiogenesis in breast cancers without lymph node metastasis

Objective: Many studies have been focused on angiogenesis as a possible prognostic factor, recently. In this study, we evaluated microvessel density by CD34 in primary tumors of the patients with lymph node negative breast carcinomas and compared the results with prognostic parameters. Material and Method: 31 patients with invasive breast carcinomas without axillary lymph node metastasis were included in this study. Microvessel density was assessed by CD34 staining in the primary tumor and compared with the tumor type and prognostic parameters such as age, tumor size, nuclear grade, lymphatic vessel invasion, and estrogen and progesteron reseptor status. CD34 staining was evaluated in three areas by x200 magnification. Results: The mean value microvessel density of CD34 staining in the primary tumor was 43 (minimum 19 and maximum 100). There was a significant relationship between microvessel density and progesterone receptor expression. microvessel density was higher in lobular type breast carcinoma. Conclusion: The correlation between progesterone receptor status and microvessel density should be further confirmed by prospective studies. The high microvessel density rate in lobular carcinoma may be attributed to abundance of stromal cells or to the low number of patients.