[Amphicrine, mucoid and argyrophile tumors of the breast. Histochemical and ultrastructural study of 2 cases].

The authors report two cases of mucoargyrophilic carcinomas of the breast, occurring in 73 and 81 year old women. Both tumors consist of a central mucoid carcinoma surrounded by solid areas with lobular or endocrinoid features. Most cells showed an abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm or a mucinous appearance. The histochemical reactions (Grimelius-Alcian Blue, Grimelius-Mucicarmine) and the ultrastructural study of the peripheral areas disclosed several cell types: poorly differentiated or mucinous cells were present in both cases; but most of the cells were argyrophilic and contained in their hyaloplasm numerous dense core "neurosecretory" granules; such cells revealed many microfilaments arranged in bundles or in whorls. Amphicrine cells were easily demonstrated by histochemical staining and their cytoplasm showed both endocrine granules and mucinous vesicles. These features suggest a possible relationship to other argyrophilic tumors of the breast. The histogenesis of these tumors is still little known.