Microcalcifications in breast cancer: an active phenomenon mediated by epithelial cells with mesenchymal characteristics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mammary microcalcifications have a crucial role in breast cancer detection, but the processes that induce their formation are unknown. Moreover, recent studies have described the occurrence of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer, but its role is not defined. In this study, we hypothesized that epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics and become capable of producing breast microcalcifications.

Methods

Breast sample biopsies with microcalcifications underwent energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis to better define the elemental composition of the microcalcifications. Breast sample biopsies without microcalcifications were used as controls. The ultrastructural phenotype of breast cells near to calcium deposits was also investigated

SUBMITTER: Scimeca M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4021315 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature