Nuclear size and pleiomorphism of breast cancer cells at high and low Ki-67 proliferation index

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer cells are characterized by enlargement of nuclei and variation of nuclear size. The more anaplastic of cell nuclei reflect more aggressive and malignant cells that affect increase proliferation rate. The aim of this study is to reveal whether there was any difference of anaplastic characteristic of breast cancer cells in high and low degree of proliferation rate. Material and Methods: Twenty-three cases of breast cancer were collected from archive of Pathology Department composed of high and low Ki-67 proliferations index. Anaplastic characteristics of cancer cells were obtained by measuring the area and pleomorphism of breast cancer cells in cytologic specimen from aspiration biopsy material. Result and Discussion: There were no differences between breast cancer cells’ size between high and low Ki-67 proliferation index while there was a difference pleomorphism between high and low Ki67. Conclusion: The degree of anaplasia in breast cancer cells has a relationship with cancer cells proliferation. Further research should be made to reveal the mechanism of this phenomenon.