Benign Mammary Tumors Research Articles

Vitamin D status in female dogs with mammary gland tumors.

Little information exists about vitamin D status in bitches with mammary tumors. To determine whether low plasma vitamin D concentrations are found in bitches with mammary tumors. Eighty-five client-owned bitches with mammary tumors (n = 21 benign, n = 64 malignant) and 39 age-matched healthy bitches. Case-control study. Plasma ionized and total calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, urea, creatinine, albumin, total proteins, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were measured in all bitches at the time of clinical diagnosis and before any treatments. Statistical analysis was performed to compare variables among groups (control, benign, and malignant). No significant differences were found when plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in bitches with malignant (148.9 [59.9] ng/mL) and benign mammary tumors (150.1 [122.3] ng/mL) were compared with control group (129.9 [54.5] ng/mL). Parathyroid hormone was significantly higher in bitches with malignant (19.9 [20.5] pg/mL), and benign mammary tumors (14.6 [14.9] pg/mL) compared with control group (7.5 [7.5] pg/mL; P < .01). Only the presence of mammary tumors (P < .01) and age (P = .04; adjusted R2 = .22) was significant in predicting PTH. Bitches with mammary tumors do not have low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations thus vitamin D supplementation is unlikely to be useful for prevention of mammary tumors in bitches.

Diagnosis of Canine Tumours and the Value of Combined Detection of VEGF, P53, SF and NLRP3 for the Early Diagnosis of Canine Mammary Carcinoma.

The average life of a dog is generally maintained at ten to fifteen years, and tumours are the predominant reason that leads to the death of dogs, especially canine mammary carcinoma. Therefore, early diagnosis of tumours is very important. In this study, tumor size, morphology, and texture could be seen through general clinical examination, tumor metastasis could be seen through imaging examination, inflammatory reactions could be seen through hematological examination, and abnormal cell morphology could be seen through cytological and histopathological examination. In the 269 malignant cases and 179 benign cases, we randomly selected 30 cases each, and an additional 30 healthy dogs were selected for the experiment (healthy dogs: dogs in good physical condition without any tumor or other diseases). We used RT-qPCR and ELISA to determine the relative expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor protein P53 (P53), serum ferritin (SF), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in 30 healthy dogs, 30 dogs with benign mammary tumours, and 30 dogs with malignant mammary tumours. In the results, the same expression trend was obtained both in serum and tissues, and the expression of the four markers was the highest in malignant mammary tumours, with highly significant differences compared with the benign and healthy/paracancerous groups. By plotting the ROC curves, it was found that the results of combined tests were better than a single test and the combination of the four markers was the best for the early diagnosis. In conclusion, this can assist the clinical early diagnosis to a certain extent, and also provides some references and assistance for the development of tumor detection kits in clinical practice.

Organopathology of the mammary gland in female carnivores: current state of research issues

Organopathology of the mammary gland in female carnivores: current state of research issues

Algorithm of diagnosis and treatment of benign diseases of the mammary glands

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the algorithm of diagnostics and treatment of benign breast diseases in women.Material and methods. Data were collected from 290 patients with benign mammary gland tumors who were treated at the Gynecological Department of the Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology in Dushanbe between 2015 and 2022. The study exclusively involved women of reproductive age, ranging from 18 to 45 years. The average age of the participants was 23.4±24 years. Notably, there were no recorded cases of disability or fatalities among these patients.Results and discussion. The developed algorithm includes a number of diagnostic and therapeutic manipulations, streamlining the process of disease identification, as well as increasing the effectiveness of therapy.Conclusion. his algorithm proves to be both user-friendly and efficient for patients within this demographic. Its implementation has led to a decrease in the progression of adverse conditions and complications in patients with benign mammary gland conditions and associated genital organ pathologies.

Evaluation of the results of vacuum aspiration biopsy using the “Encorenspire” device in treatment of patients with benign mammary gland tumors

Aim to compare the results of vacuum aspiration biopsy (VAB) and sectoral resection in the treatment of benign breast tumors.&#x0D; Material and methods.During the study we compared the results of treatment in two groups of patients. The main group included 50 patients (mean age 54.830.934 years) who underwent VAB, the control group comprised 55 patients (mean age 55.7041.998 years) who underwent sectoral resection. Before the surgery, a tumor biopsy was performed with the following cytological and histological examination. The diagnosis of fibroadenoma was predominant. After the operation, a histological analysis of the received preparations was done. We assessed the immediate postoperative results, such as: blood loss, operation time, intensity of pain syndrome, bed-day number, quality of life after the operation.&#x0D; Results.The duration of surgery was significantly lower in patients with VAB than in patients with sectoral resection (p=0.000). The blood loss after surgery did not differ significantly (p=0.921) and did not exceed 10 ml in both groups. The groups under study were comparable according to the results of the histological examination (Student's t-test was 0.501, p=0.651). In each group, the pain syndrome was assessed in the postoperative period according to a 10-point pain scale after 3 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 5 days and 10 days after surgical intervention. In the VAB group, the scores were significantly lower, p=0.000.&#x0D; The average number of bed-days in patients of the control group was 10.322.814, in the main group 1 day, the difference was statistically significant (p=0.000). The frequency of possible complications (hematoma, seroma, infection, deformity of the mammary gland, residual masses after removal) was significantly lower (p=0.013) in patients of the main group. When assessing the life quality of patients after surgery with the MOS SF-36 questionnaire, we found that the indicators were significantly higher in patients of the VAB group (Psychological Health Scale p=0.008, Social Functioning Scale p=0.003, Physical Condition Scale p=0.041).

Canine Mammary Tumours: Advances in Classification, Grading and Expression of Biological Markers

Mammary tumours are the most frequently encountered neoplasms in female dogs. Malignant types of canine mammary tumours are more frequent than benign mammarytumours. Due to vast histological diversity of canine mammary tumours their diagnosis is difficult and provides little prognostic information. The presence of cells with enlarged nuclei and prominent nucleoli often leads to the misdiagnosis of mammary carcinoma.Use of a histological grading system may be helpful for classification and prognosis of canine mammary tumours. Immunohistochemistry is an extraordinarily powerful tool in the armamentarium of the diagnostic surgical pathologist. It is widely used in diagnosis of cancers by detection of tumor specific antigens expression. Canine mammary tumours have two histological classification given by WHO, first in 1974 and it is modification occur in 1999. New histological classification of CMTs is based on modification of WHO criteria given by Goldschmidt. In Veterinary science, two slightly different Misdorp and Pen systems (modifications of the human method) are used for histological grading of the canine mammary gland carcinoma. These two grading system is based on the assessment of the three morphological features: tubule formation, nuclear pleomorphism and mitotic counts. Some potential prognostic cellular biomarkers have been investigated for canine mammary tumours, and are frequently used for their detection and prognosis. Most commonly used cellular biomarkers are human epidermal growth factor, progesterone and estrogen receptors, E-cadherin and P-cadherin and proliferation marker Ki67.

Benign breast tumors and risk factors for their development

Introduction. Benign mammary gland tumors constitute a group of heterogeneous diseases with a complex clinical and morphological structure that complicates timely diagnosis and terminological designation of pathological processes. They are of great interest because of their possible background for oncologic pathology. The most widespread disease is mastopathy, its occurrence rate in the population reaches 40%. The incidence of mastopathies increases by the age of 45 years, and then tends to decrease in the pre- and postmenopausal periods. The purpose of the review was to evaluate and analyze the literature data on the presented problem in recent years. Materials and methods. Publications of domestic and foreign authors on benign breast neoplasms and risk factors of this pathology over the past 20 years have been included in the article. Literature search was performed in the systems Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Elibrary. Results and discussion. Etiopathogenetic factors in patients with benign mammary gland tumors play a paramount role, substantiating the necessity of prognostication and prevention of the disease. Risk factors for these diseases include hereditary, hormonal, neuropsychological, reproductive data, age, lactation, inflammation, trauma, smoking, and others. Conclusion. The current dynamic of increasing the incidence of benign mammary tumors has been noted, but no specific risk factors for this group of diseases have been identified, as they are multifactorial, associated with genetic causes, somatic health data, and environmental influences. Not all women are equally at risk of developing breast diseases, the reasons characterizing the individual propensity for this pathology have been identified. The risk factors do not cause the development of the disease, but considerably increase its probability. The study of predisposing risk factors for the development of tumor processes in the mammary glands in order to diagnose them early gives an opportunity to improve the results and prognosis of treatment.

Epidemiology of canine mammary tumours on the Canary Archipelago in Spain

BackgroundMammary gland tumours are the most frequently diagnosed tumours in the female dogs but just a few studies have analysed their epidemiology. Therefore, we set out to describe the epidemiology of canine mammary cancer in the Canary Archipelago, Spain. We analysed a pathology tumour registry (PTR) and identified 7362 samples obtained from 5240 female dogs resident on the Canary Archipelago during an 18-year period (2003–2020). Using a case–control study design, we compared mammary tumour affected dogs with the Canarian canine population registry in order to elucidate the breed associations for these tumours.ResultsThe frequency of a diagnosis of mammary tumours relative to all tumour diagnoses in female dogs decreased during the study period from 62.7% to 48.9%. Contemporaneously, the proportion of dogs diagnosed with mammary tumours who were also neutered increased from 13.6% to 26.9%. There was a negative correlation (R = -0.84) between these changes. Additional findings were that: the proportion of female dogs diagnosed with multiple tumours increased by 23.5% and that the proportion of malignant tumours 89.2% diagnosed has remained stable through the period. Benign mammary tumours were diagnosed at younger ages (9.2 years old) than carcinomas (9.7 years old) and sarcomas (10.4 years old). Epithelial mammary tumours were diagnosed at younger ages in entire female dogs. Samoyed, Schnauzer, Poodle, German Pinscher and Cocker Spaniel were the breeds with the highest odds-ratios (OR) in comparison with the reference (crossbreeds) while Miniature Pinscher, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Pointer as well as some local breeds such as the Canary Warren Hound and the Majorero had the lowest ORs.ConclusionsThis study provides a description of the changing epidemiology of canine mammary cancer in the Canary Archipelago over the last two decades. We found high rates of CMT with a significant predominance of malignant tumours. Exact risk factors are uncertain, but a combination of environmental, regional socioeconomic affecting human and their pets, and animal management factors are likely to play a part. Specifically, neutering was negatively associated with the proportion of epithelial mammary gland tumours and breeds native to the region were at lower risk of mammary tumours. A deeper analysis of all these factors will facilitate a deeper understanding of the epidemiology of mammary gland tumours in both the canine and the human population.

Development of mammary cancer in γ-irradiated F1 hybrids of susceptible Sprague-Dawley and resistant Copenhagen rats, with copy-number losses that pinpoint potential tumor suppressors.

Copenhagen rats are highly resistant to mammary carcinogenesis, even after treatment with chemical carcinogens and hormones; most studies indicate that this is a dominant genetic trait. To test whether this trait is also dominant after radiation exposure, we characterized the susceptibility of irradiated Copenhagen rats to mammary carcinogenesis, as well as its inheritance, and identified tumor-suppressor genes that, when inactivated or mutated, may contribute to carcinogenesis. To this end, mammary cancer-susceptible Sprague-Dawley rats, resistant Copenhagen rats, and their F1 hybrids were irradiated with 4 Gy of γ-rays, and tumor development was monitored. Copy-number variations and allelic imbalances of genomic DNA were studied using microarrays and PCR analysis of polymorphic markers. Gene expression was assessed by quantitative PCR in normal tissues and induced mammary cancers of F1 rats. Irradiated Copenhagen rats exhibited a very low incidence of mammary cancer. Unexpectedly, this resistance trait did not show dominant inheritance in F1 rats; rather, they exhibited intermediate susceptibility levels (i.e., between those of their parent strains). The susceptibility of irradiated F1 rats to the development of benign mammary tumors (i.e., fibroadenoma and adenoma) was also intermediate. Copy-number losses were frequently observed in chromosome regions 1q52-54 (24%), 2q12-15 (33%), and 3q31-42 (24%), as were focal (38%) and whole (29%) losses of chromosome 5. Some of these chromosomal regions exhibited allelic imbalances. Many cancer-related genes within these regions were downregulated in mammary tumors as compared with normal mammary tissue. Some of the chromosomal losses identified have not been reported previously in chemically induced models, implying a novel mechanism inherent to the irradiated model. Based on these findings, Sprague-Dawley × Copenhagen F1 rats offer a useful model for exploring genes responsible for radiation-induced mammary cancer, which apparently are mainly located in specific regions of chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 5.

Clinico-pathological Studies on Canine Mammary Tumors in Dachshund Dog

Background: The study was aimed to find out the epidemiological data of canine mammary tumor in Dachshund breed in relation to age, growth rate, lymph node status, histological type of tumor and to compare hematological alterations of any within the tumor to compare hematological alterations due to different types of tumor.Methods: Mammary neoplasms were clinically evaluated. The measurement of total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), platelet count and packed cell volume (PCV %) was carried out as per standard methods. Histological observation was performed by staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain. Benign and malignant mammary tumors were found highest in the younger age group of 8 to 12 years and lowest thereafter.Result: 79.16% cases of the mammary tumors located in the inguinal region were found. The fast growth rate was observed in 45.83% of tumors. The hematological profile showed no difference. However, the platelet count in the malignant mammary gland tumor dogs showed significant (P less than 0.01) decrease than the normal and benign tumor dogs. Distant metastasis to lung was found only in 8.33% of the total mammary tumor dogs. Mammary tumors with stage I, stage II and stage III were restricted to benign mammary tumors whereas, those with stage IV and stage V were of malignant mammary tumors.

CEA, CA 15-3, and miRNA expression as potential biomarkers in canine mammary tumors.

The most often detected tumor in intact bitches is mammary tumors and represents a significant clinical problem throughout the world. Mammary neoplasms in canine have heterogeneous morphology, so the choice of the most appropriate biomarker is the biggest challenge in CMT detection. We performed a retrospective analysis and evaluated the canine cancer antigens and miRNA expression profiles as potential biomarkers. Sixty dogs based on histological examination divided into three groups, viz., dogs with a benign mammary tumor, malignant mammary tumor, and control/healthy. The CA 15-3 was found more sensitive than CEA but detection of both will increase sensitivity. miR-21 expression differed significantly in all three groups. miR-29b expression differed significantly between the control and benign group and control and malignant group. The miR-21 overexpression and miR-29b downregulation with CMT are associated with clinical stage and can be used as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Hence, evaluation of CA 15-3 along with CEA would be a non-invasive technique for detecting canine mammary tumors. Evaluation of deregulated circulating miR-21 could be a valuable prognostic marker for early detection of mammary tumors in canines while miR-29b can add sensitivity in the detection of the canine mammary tumors if evaluated with miR-21.

Decreased Size of Mammary Tumors Caused by Preoperative Treatment with Aglepristone in Female Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) Do Not Influence the Density of the Benign Neoplastic Tissue Measured Using Shear Wave Elastography Technique.

Simple SummaryShear wave elastography (SWE) is a new diagnostic method allowing for a non-invasive differential diagnosis between benign and malignant mammary tumors. Mammary tumors in dogs are often hormone-dependent, and a surgical approach is currently the most recommended method for the treatment of mammary neoplasia. However, preoperative, pharmacological therapy eliminating hormonal stimulation can sometimes be indicated to reduce the size of the tumor and facilitate subsequent surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the reduction in the benign tumor size observed after treatment with the use of aglepristone on the shear wave elastography results, obtained before and after therapy. We noticed that a fast and significant reduction in tumor size, as a consequence of preoperative pharmacological treatment, did not influence the diagnosis performed using the SWE technique. These results seem to indicate the accuracy and usefulness of this new diagnostic method, and confirm the hypothesis that tumor tissue density is a valuable parameter when determining the benignancy of mammary tumors in dogs. Shear wave elastography (SWE) can be useful to discriminate between malignant and benign mammary tumors. In dogs with elevated progesterone levels compared to the baseline and fast-growing tumors, treatment with the use of aglepristone allows for tumor size reduction, which facilitates surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the preoperative treatment of benign mammary tumors (BMTs), performed with the use of aglepristone, on the density of the tumor tissue measured by SWE. Twelve female dogs with diagnosed BMTs and increased levels of progesterone were treated with aglepristone (Alizine, Virbac, France) at 10 mg/kg s.c. (Subcutaneous injection). twice, with a 24 h interval. The density of the tumor was evaluated by SWE before and after the treatment. The type of tumor was evaluated by fine needle aspiration cytology before treatment, and a histopathological examination was made after surgical removal, performed after the aglepristone treatment. In all the cases, a significant reduction in the mammary tumor’s size was observed following treatment, with no influence on the density of the tumor’s tissue measured by SWE. Similar studies on malignant mammary tumors are warranted to verify if in these cases, density will also be a constant parameter that is not dependent on the tumor size.

"Sein dans le sein": échographie et mammographie de l'hamartome

We report a 20-year-old patient, mother of 2 children and with no personal or family history of breast disease who consulted for a painless right breast mass evolving for 6 months. The mass was firm, painless and mobile at the right inferior-external quadrant. No inflammatory signs, nipple discharge or associated axillary adenopathy. Breast ultrasonography revealed a tissue formation of 4x2x4cm, parallel to the skin plane, well limited, heterogeneous hypoechoic with hyperechoic trabeculae, and containing tubulated structures with echogenic content, without attenuation or reinforcement of the echoes (A). In color Doppler, its vascularization was identical to that of the normal mammary gland. In view of this aspect, a complementary mammography was performed. It allowed the visualization in the right inferior-external quadrant of a well-limited, encapsulated oval mass of mixed fat and glandular density, thus producing the image of "breast within the breast" (B, C). This allowed the diagnosis of mammary hamartoma. The mammary hamartoma is a pseudotumor (benign) consisting of fibrous tissue, adipose tissue and glandular element. It is a rare mammary disorder occurring at any age from puberty. In its typical form as in our patient, mammography is the key examination and is sufficient to establish the diagnosis even without biopsy. Its treatment does not require an excision except in the case of aesthetic discomfort. It should be noted that its differential diagnosis includes other benign mammary tumors of adolescents and young adults such as adenofibroma, phyllode tumor, lipoma and papilloma.

Altered prolactin and androgen receptors expression in companion rat benign mammary tumours.

Benign mammary tumours are among the most common tumours of companion rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica), as well as a major animal welfare concern and euthanasia. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of oestrogen, progesterone, androgen, and prolactin receptors in neoplastic and normal mammary gland tissues and compare the expression of these receptors between groups. The second objective was to determine if the expression of these receptors in neoplastic mammary gland tissue correlates with overall survival and occurrence of an additional mass after initial mammary mass excision. The third objective was to determine if the expression of oestrogen, progesterone, androgen and prolactin receptors was associated with mammary tumor clinical parameters or with the age of the animals. Thirty-two benign mammary tumours were collected from companion rats and submitted for immunohistochemistry staining of prolactin receptor, oestrogen receptor alpha (ERa), progesterone and androgen receptors (AR). Allred score were obtained for mammary tumours (n=32) and surrounding normal mammary tissue (n=20) when present. Prolactin receptor expression increased significantly with mammary gland tumorigenesis (P < .0001), while AR expression decreased with tumorigenesis (P < .0001). Lower expression of ERa in tumor stroma was associated with shorter survival (P=.02). Hormonal receptor expression was not significantly associated with age, mass diameter, location nor likelihood of additional mass development. Further studies should investigate the effects of prolactin antagonists in a prospective study involving companion rats with benign mammary tumours.

Differential stromal reprogramming in benign and malignant naturally occurring canine mammary tumours identifies disease-modulating stromal components

While cancer-associated stroma (CAS) in malignant tumours is well described, stromal changes in benign forms of naturally occurring tumours remain poorly characterized. Spontaneous canine mammary carcinomas (mCA) are viewed as excellent models of human mCA. We have recently reported highly conserved stromal reprogramming between canine and human mCA based on transcriptome analysis of laser-capture-microdissected FFPE specimen. To identify stromal changes between benign and malignant mammary tumours, we have analysed matched normal and adenoma-associated stroma (AAS) from 13 canine mammary adenomas and compared them to previous data from 15 canine mCA. Our analyses reveal distinct stromal reprogramming even in small benign tumours. While similarities between AAS and CAS exist, the stromal signature clearly distinguished adenomas from mCA. The distinction between AAS and CAS is further substantiated by differential enrichment in several hallmark signalling pathways as well as differential abundance in cellular composition. Finally, we identify COL11A1, VIT, CD74, HLA-DRA, STRA6, IGFBP4, PIGR, and TNIP1 as strongly discriminatory stromal genes between adenoma and mCA, and demonstrate their prognostic value for human breast cancer. Given the relevance of canine CAS as a model for the human disease, our approach identifies disease-modulating stromal components with implications for both human and canine breast cancer.

Stability of αB-crystallin gene expression in canine mammary gland neoplasms. Should it be considered as circulating tumor cell genetic marker?

αB-crystallin is a member of a small family of thermal shock proteins that protects cells from stress. Because of lack of its expression in peripheral blood leukocytes, it was proposed as a molecular marker of circulating tumor cells in canine mammary gland tumors. The aim of the present study was to determine if αB-crystallin shows stability of expression, what is the requirement for this type of marker. It was also assessed whether there is co-expression of αB-crystallin with the basal marker, cytokeratin 17. For this purpose, samples of various types of canine mammary gland tumors of epithelial origin, were selected. Using RT-qPCR, we have found αB-crystallin and cytokeratin 17 co-expression in benign and malignant canine mammary gland tumors. It has been demonstrated that the expression of αB-crystallin in tested neoplastic samples is not stable in comparison to the control group. Furthermore αB-crystallin overor down- expression was associated witch the same cytokeratin 17 pattern. αB-crystallin can be a marker of circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, but for cancers in which basal marker expression occurs and thus not universal for all cancers originating from the mammary gland tissue.

Evaluation of deslorelin implant on subsequent mammary tumors of rats (Rattus norvegicus)

ABSTRACT Background Mammary fibroadenomas are one of the most common tumors of female companion rats (Rattus norvegicus forma domestica). The objectives of this study were to determine if subcutaneous administration of a deslorelin implant following excision of fibroadenomas can prevent or delay development of additional mammary tumors and increase survival in companion rats. Methods Female intact client-owned rats with benign mammary tumors were divided into three groups: no implant (n = 10), placebo implant (n = 10), or 4.7 mg deslorelin implant (n = 10) placed within 2 months of tumor excision. Rats were monitored for subsequent mammary tumors for 10 months following treatment. Expression of estrogen α, progesterone, prolactin, and androgen receptors stained by immunohistochemistry in primary masses of rats included in the deslorelin-treated group was evaluated using the Allred scoring system. Results In the control non-implanted group, four of the 10 rats developed another mammary tumor, including one anaplastic carcinoma. In the control placebo group, five of the 10 rats developed another mammary tumor, including one ductal carcinoma. In the deslorelin-treated group, three of 10 rats developed another mammary tumor, including one adenocarcinoma. Median time between surgery and new mass detection did not differ significantly among groups (55 days in the deslorelin group vs. 77 days in the control placebo group, P = 0.25). Median survival times after surgery did not differ significantly among groups. No correlation was noted between receptor expression and response to treatment with deslorelin. Conclusions and clinical relevance Deslorelin implants placed within 2 months of benign mammary tumor surgical excision were not associated with a decreased risk of developing subsequent mammary tumors, nor with an increased survival in female rats. Further studies are needed to define useful adjunct therapy to surgery.

A human organoid system that self-organizes to recapitulate growth and differentiation of a benign mammary tumor

As 3D culture has become central to investigation of tissue biology, mammary epithelial organoids have emerged as powerful tools for investigation of epithelial cell polarization and carcinogenesis. However, most current protocols start from single cells suspended in Matrigel, which can also restrict cell differentiation and behavior. Here, we show that the noncancerous mammary cell line HMT-3522 S1, when allowed to spontaneously form cell aggregates ("spheroids") in medium without Matrigel, switches to a collective growth mode that recapitulates many attributes of "usual ductal hyperplasia" (UDH), a common benign mammary lesion. Interestingly, these spheroids undergo a complex maturation process reminiscent of embryonic development: solid-cell cords form their own basement membrane, grow on the surface of initially homogeneous cell aggregates, and form asymmetric lumina lined by two distinct cell types that express basal and luminal cytokeratins. This sequence of events provides a cellular mechanism that explains how the characteristic crescent-shaped, asymmetrical lumina form in UDH. Our results suggest that HMT-3522 S1 spheroids are useful as an in vitro model system to study UDH biology, glandular lumen formation, and stem cell biology of the mammary gland.

High prevalence of benign mammary tumors in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome during postmenopausal period

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive-age women. Significant associations between PCOS and benign breast diseases (BBD) and a possibly potential association between PCOS and breast cancer have been reported. The etiology of these events of mammary glands in PCOS remains unclear. Animal models that show BBD and breast cancer may contribute to further understanding about these diseases. We aimed to examine the spontaneous occurrence of mammary tumors, their prevalence, and type in our rat model of PCOS. Prenatal androgen-induced PCOS rats and controls were examined in later life. Benign mammary tumors were observed in 75% and 33.33% of PCOS rats and controls during the postmenopausal period, respectively (p = .0158). Mammary tumors were non-invasive, margins of excision were normal and tumors were freely movable, in both groups. After microscopic evaluations of tumors, proliferative breast lesions and adenomas with a tubular growth pattern were observed in both groups. However, in PCOS rats, of benign tumors two had a mixed pattern of fibroadenoma/fibroma and cysts. High prevalence of benign mammary tumors was observed in our rat model of PCOS during the postmenopausal period, possibly due to hormonal imbalances during their reproductive lifespan; this model may contribute to current data available regarding the events of mammary glands in PCOS.

Evaluation of intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy for treatment of pleural carcinomatosis in cats: a retrospective study of eight cases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy in cats with malignant pleural effusion of epithelial origin. The medical records of cats with a cytological diagnosis of neoplastic pleural effusion of epithelial origin were reviewed at three referral institutions between January 2013 and June 2018. Only cats treated with intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy were enrolled. Data collection included signalment, medical history, clinical signs, pleural effusion analysis, diagnostic imaging findings, intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy protocol, adverse events, response to chemotherapy, outcome and underlying primary tumour, if possible. Eight cats met the inclusion criteria. Three cats had previous surgical removal of a tumour, including a poorly differentiated primary lung carcinoma, a uterine adenocarcinoma and a benign mammary tumour. The main clinical signs were tachypnoea and/or dyspnoea, inappetence and weight loss. Thoracic radiographs revealed marked bilateral pleural effusion in all cats. Pleural fluid analysis was consistent with a modified transudate, with malignant epithelial cells on cytology, leading to a diagnosis of pleural carcinomatosis. All cats received only one cycle of intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy at a dose of 200-240 mg/m2. Recurrence of pleural effusion was reported in 7/8 cats within 4-15 days of chemotherapy, and death was recorded in all cats within 5-16 days, owing to recurrent pleural effusion or poor general condition. The primary cancer was suspected to be of pulmonary, mammary and pancreatic origin in four cats, two cats and one cat, respectively, and of unknown origin in the remaining cat. In this study, intracavitary carboplatin chemotherapy seems ineffective in managing neoplastic pleural effusion of epithelial origin in cats with pleural carcinomatosis. Other cytotoxic drugs and/or techniques should be investigated in the future to improve the quality of life and survival of cats with pleural carcinomatosis.