The ABO(H) cell surface antigens in carcinoma and benign lesions of the breast.

Abstract

The ABO(H) cell surface antigens of 13 breast carcinomas and 17 benign breast lesions were tested with a specific red cell adherence assay (SRCA). All 13 breast carcinomas, including 2 lobular carcinomas in situ and 1 noninfiltrating ductal carcinoma, had lost their ABO(H) surface antigens. Fourteen of 17 benign breast lesions had retained their ABO(H) surface antigens. The benign lesions losing their antigens were 1 case each of atypical intraductal hyperplasia, sclerosing adenosis, and intraductal papilloma. SRCA may be a predictor of which benign breast lesions are in fact premalignant.