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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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Changes in Mammary Gland Morphology and Breast Cancer Risk in Rats
Published on: October 16, 2010
Nuclear comparative morphometric study between DCIS and normal resting mammary gland tissue.
Mariana Deacu1, Mariana Aşchie, Mădălina Boşoteanu
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, "Ovidius" University, Constanta, Romania. deacu_mariana@yahoo.com
Summary
Nuclear morphometric analysis reveals significant differences between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and normal breast tissue. These quantitative features may help predict tumor aggressiveness and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive breast cancer characterized by malignant epithelial cell proliferation within ducts.
- Nuclear appearance defines cell phenotype, distinguishing benign from malignant cells.
- Morphometric analysis offers quantitative insights into cellular morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare nuclear morphometric features of mammary epithelial cells in DCIS versus normal resting breast tissue.
- To evaluate the potential of morphometric analysis in assessing tumor aggressiveness and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of two groups: 20 DCIS cases and 20 normal resting breast tissue controls.
- Morphological evaluation using parameters: nuclear area (NA), perimeter (P), maximum diameter (Dmax), minimum diameter (Dmin), and elongation factor (E).
Main Results:
- DCIS nuclei exhibited significantly higher values for all evaluated morphometric parameters compared to normal resting breast tissue.
- Quantitative analysis demonstrated distinct morphometric profiles between DCIS and normal mammary cells.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear morphometric analysis provides valuable quantitative data for differentiating DCIS from normal breast tissue.
- These findings suggest morphometric features can inform about tumor aggressiveness, invasion potential, and disease prognosis in DCIS.
