[Pathology of breast carcinoma]

The histopathologic diagnosis with the description of the size of the tumor, its growth pattern, grading, lymph node involvement, hormonal receptor status and pTNM-classification are basic requirements the treatment of breast cancer. In addition to the conventional methods new bio- or immunohistochemical factors can be determined, which have variable predictive values. The pTNM-classification is essential for the evaluation of clinical treatment results and prognosis. This histopathologic survey summarizes frequent and rare types of breast cancer, of which about 24 entities and 22 subtypes are known. The clinically important criteria of the intraductal carcinoma and of the lobular carcinoma in situ are described and their differentiation forms are mentioned. This review will illustrate the development in the detailed histopathologic diagnosis of breast cancer. Finally some aspects of lymphatic spread are outlined and the incidence and the sits of metastases.