Elastosis and primary breast cancer.

One hundred sixty-five patients with primary operable breast cancer were followed for up to 60 months. Each patient had the amount of focal elastosis and the estrogen-receptor activity within the tumor determined, as well as the tumor size, axillary nodal palpability, and nodal involvement. The risks of recurrence and death were compared by constructing life tables and assessing differences in various subgroups. There was no demonstrated association between tumor elastosis and the patients' age, menstrual status, the palpability of axillary lymph nodes, or the pathological states of these nodes at mastectomy. A tendency for larger tumors to have less elastosis was noticed. A significant association between the grade of elastosis and the presence, or absence, of estrogen-receptor activity was seen. The degree of focal elastosis in the primary tumor, alone, was disappointing as a prognostic factor. A strong suggestion that estrogen-receptor activity is a better indicator of prognosis was present.