Clinging carcinoma: an American perspective

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Oncology
• Breast Cancer Research

Background:

• Professor John Azzopardi coined "clinging carcinoma" in 1979 for specific ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) presentations.
• Azzopardi described two types: the first, widely accepted as high-grade DCIS; the second, less accepted, particularly in the US.
• The second type features low-grade, monomorphic cells, resembling low-grade DCIS with various architectural patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate Azzopardi's second type of clinging carcinoma.
• To determine if this lesion represents a precursor or early stage of ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS).
• To validate Azzopardi's original histological observations through modern research.

Main Methods:

• Morphological analysis of the lesion.
• Immunophenotypic studies.
• Genetic analysis.

Main Results:

• Recent studies provide strong evidence supporting Azzopardi's second type of clinging carcinoma.
• This lesion is now commonly referred to as flat epithelial atypia.
• The findings indicate flat epithelial atypia is a precursor or early stage of DCIS.

Conclusions:

• Azzopardi's classification of clinging carcinoma, particularly the second type, is validated by contemporary research.
• Flat epithelial atypia is recognized as an early developmental stage of ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS).
• This research underscores the importance of Azzopardi's early histological insights in breast cancer pathology.