Relation between mammographic findings and hormonal receptor content in breast cancer.

A comparative investigation of 85 patients with unilateral primary breast cancer was performed to elucidate a possible correlation between the mammographic appearance of the cancer and the content of hormonal receptors (estrogen and progesterone). The mammographic appearance was divided into five types: (1) spiculated; (2) structural changes in the parenchyma (density); (3) calcifications; (4) circumscribed; and (5) not visible on mammogram. The hormonal content was found to be high in types 1 and 2, low in 3 and 4, and intermediate in 5. Statistically significant difference in the estrogen receptor content was found between 1 and 3; 1 and 3 + 4; 1 and 3 + 4 + 5. In progesterone receptor content, a statistically significant difference was found between 1 and 3 + 4. The results concerning estrogen receptor content within each cancer type, except type 2, are comparable to those of a Swedish study. No correlation was found between Wolfe's parenchymal patterns and hormonal receptor content, which contradicts a recent English study. Reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.