Quantitative measurement of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast lumps using image cytometry.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate image cytometry for detecting estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) in breast lumps quantitatively.

STUDY

DESIGN

Fifty consecutive breast lumps were analyzed for ER and PR using the avidin-biotin complex on tissue sections.

RESULTS

Mean ER-positive nuclear area percentage (PA%) for 25 invasive ductal carcinomas was 47.81% and for PR was 57.83%. Mean ER PA% was 40.78% and PR 58.91% for seven invasive lobular carcinomas. There were two papillary carcinomas and one in situ ductal carcinoma. Fourteen of 15 benign breast lumps were benign breast lesions. Mean ER PA% was 65.95% and PR 73.43% for 10 fibroadenomas and for 4 fibrocystic lesions was 51.57% and 44.13%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative detection of ER and PR can be achieved by image cytometry. We aim in the future to assess this method in prognostic studies and the preoperative cytology of breast cancers.