Prognostic value of argyrophylic nucleolar organiser regions (AgNORs) in breast lesions

A total of 200 breast tissues which included 5 normals, 55 benign and 140 malignant lesions were stained for Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organiser Regions (AGNORs). A comparison of the AGNOR values with histologic variables, viz., tumor type, size nuclear grade, desmoplasia, elastosis, lymph node metastasis and Oestrogen and Progesterone Receptor (ER/PR) status was carried out in malignant lesions. AGNOR values could sharply distinguish benign from malignant lesions. Among the malignant lesions, an attempt to determine the value of AGNOR count in prognostication was made. AGNOR counts correlated with tumor size, mitoses and desmoplasia. ER/PgR negative tumors showed a tendency for high NOR counts, but lymph node metastasis, which is considered one of the most reliable prognostic indicators, did not concur with AGNOR counts in our study. These results indicate that AGNOR counts can not be used as a sole independent marker in breast cancer prognostication.