Abstract:

Objective To explore the relationship between sinus histiocytosis (SH) and germinal center hyperplasia (GH) in axillary lymph nodes and lymph node metastases of breast cancer of T1－2 stage. Methods One hundred and four cases of breast ductal cancer of T1－2 stage were selected,  SH and GH in axillary lymph nodes, axillary lymph node metastases, cancer cell differentiation, peri-tumor invasion, and lymphatic duct invasion were examined by HE staining. Expressions of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, p53, C-erb-B2, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The relationship among GH, SH and the other clinicopathological characteristics and between GH and SH and lymph node metastases was analysed. Results Thirty-two cases (31%) had axillary lymph node metastases. The rates of lymph node metastases in cases with positive GH and SH, positive GH or SH and negative GH and SH were 21%, 73% and 81%, respectively. There were significant differences in the percents of cases with lymph node metastases between those with positive GH and SH and those with positive GH or SH （P=0.041） and between those with positive GH and SH and those with negative GH and SH （P=0.017）. SH was related to the expression of p53 (P=0.037), and GH was related to SH (P=0.000). Conclusion SH is related to the expression of p53, and GH is related to SH in breast ductal cancer of T1－2 stage. The combination of positive GH and positive SH may suppress metastases of breast ductal cancer to lymph nodes, and may predict a better prognosis, while those with negative GH and (or) negative SH may have a high risk of relapse and need enhanced chemotherapy after mastectomy.

Key words: breast cancer, sinus histiocytosis, germinal center hyperplasia, lymph node metastasis, p53