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Neuroendocrine differentiation in breast lesions
J M Nesland1, R Holm, J V Johannessen
1Department of Pathology, Norwegian Radium Hospital.
Pathology, Research and Practice
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Neuroendocrine cells are not found in normal breast tissue but can appear in breast carcinomas. Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is a useful marker, though not all NSE-positive cases show hormone reactivity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Neuroendocrine differentiation in breast carcinomas is a recognized phenomenon.
- The presence and significance of neuroendocrine cells in breast pathology require clear definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuroendocrine features of breast carcinomas.
- To discuss the utility and limitations of various markers for neuroendocrine cells in breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neuroendocrine markers in breast carcinomas.
- Discussion of immunohistochemical and biochemical detection methods for neuroendocrine markers.
Main Results:
- Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is the most effective screening marker for neuroendocrine cells in breast carcinomas, with 30% of cases being NSE positive.
- While NSE is a good screening marker, hormone immunoreactivity is not universally present in NSE-positive cases.
- Normal myoepithelial cells also exhibit NSE positivity, necessitating careful interpretation.
- Various hormones (e.g., ACTH, serotonin, VIP) and neuropeptides have been biochemically or immunohistochemically identified in breast carcinomas.
- Neuroendocrine cells have not been reliably identified in normal breast tissue or benign breast lesions.
Conclusions:
- Neuroendocrine differentiation is a feature of some breast carcinomas, distinct from normal breast tissue.
- NSE is a valuable but imperfect marker for screening neuroendocrine breast cancer.
- Further research may clarify the clinical significance of these neuroendocrine features in breast carcinomas.