[Quantitative morphological characteristics of the changes in the effector component of the immune system in...

The effector component of immune system was studied in 39 cases of fibroadenomatosis by morphometric and histochemical methods. Signs of immunosuppression (decreased fraction of free cells of stroma and disturbances in their cooperation) were identified in cases of precancerous changes and cancer. A considerable difference in nucleic acid level in fibroadenomatosis and cancer was established. It is suggested that quantitative morphological study of the effector component of immune system may provide more diagnostic criteria for identification of prognostically unfavorable forms of fibroadenomatosis and cancer.