Mast cell interaction with tumor cells in small early gastric cancer: ultrastructural observations

The authors studied the mast cells by light and electron microscopy in four small intramucosal early gastric cancers (EGC). Mast cells were found in the tumor stroma and among neoplastic cells of adenocarcinoma glands. Stromal and adenocarcinoma-infiltrating mast cells were ultrastructurally identified as T mast cells, and exhibited anaphylactic or piecemeal degranulation. Tumor cells in intimate contact with mast cells showed no cytopathic changes. These data do not support a mast cell-mediated cancer lysis, such as that reported in some systems in vitro. The interepithelial localization of T mast cell in adenocarcinoma glands is similar to that observed in some disease states, including interstitial cystitis, fibrotic lung disorders, and mucosal allergic reaction. The findings suggest that T mast cells may be involved in the pathophysiology of the host reaction to small intramucosal EGC.