Actin inclusions in stromal cells of fibroepithelial tumor of breast: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies.

An uncommon occurrence of actin inclusions in the stromal cells of a benign fibroepithelial tumor of breast is reported. Histologically, many of the stromal cells contained round and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions identical to those seen in inclusion body fibromatosis. Ultrastructurally, these inclusions represented dense spherical clumps of microfilaments derived from rough endoplasmic reticulum. The literature was reviewed and follow-up data showed that the clinical course of these morphologically distinctive benign fibroepithelial tumors was relatively indolent if completely excised, in contrast to inclusion body fibromatosis, which commonly recurs. The pathogenesis may be related to abnormal production of truncated actin filaments or alteration in microenvironment.