[Features of the extracellular matrix of fibroadenomas and leaf-shaped tumors of the human breast (immunomorphologic study)].

Fibronectin and collagen I, III, IV, V distribution in preexisting and newly formed connective tissue of fibroadenomas and leaf-like human breast tumour was studied by the immunofluorescent method. Extracellular matrix of a newly formed connective tissue was characterized by the predominance of collagen type III, the presence of collagen type IV, a high content of fibronectin in a leaf-like tumour. Such characteristics of the extracellular matrix structure in benign tumours are interpreted as a manifestation of desmoplasia.