[Current theories on the nature of myoepithelial cells and their role in the morphogenesis of dyshormonal hyperplasia and breast neoplasms].

An analysis of current concepts on the origin and potentials of neoplastic transformation of myoepithelial cells (MC) of the mammary glands is presented. The epithelial and smooth-muscle nature of these cells is discussed. The hypothesis of mixed (epithelial and myoepithelial) nature of mammary gland carcinoma and possibilities of neoplastic transformation of poorly-differentiated forms of MC are considered. Methods for identification of cells of the myoepithelial origin are described.