Ultrastructural evaluation of inflammatory carcinoma of the breast

A biopsy of a confirmed case of inflammatory carcinoma of the breast was examined by light and electron microscopy, and the results were compared with the estrogen receptor content. Although the tumor appeared undifferentiated by light microscopy, fine structural analysis revealed some evidence of differentiation. Few cells showed signs of secretory activity. The perilymphatic stroma contained few isolated neoplastic cells and some foci of tumor aggregates. In the latter, attempts to organize were made evident through the formation of a common lumen. Estrogen receptor content was determined by titration and sucrose gradient methods; both gave results indicating the absence of estrogen receptor in the biopsy specimen. The ultrastructural features of the tumor were consistent with the receptor data. Collectively, the evidence suggested that response to endocrine therapy by this patient was unlikely, and alternative means of treatment were adopted. We suggest that electron microscopic studies of such lesions may be useful in diagnosis and treatment planning.