The ABO(H) cell surface antigens in carcinoma and benign lesions of the breast.

The ABO(H) cell surface antigens of 13 breast carcinomas and 17 benign breast lesions were tested with a specific red cell adherence assay (SRCA). All 13 breast carcinomas, including 2 lobular carcinomas in situ and 1 noninfiltrating ductal carcinoma, had lost their ABO(H) surface antigens. Fourteen of 17 benign breast lesions had retained their ABO(H) surface antigens. The benign lesions losing their antigens were 1 case each of atypical intraductal hyperplasia, sclerosing adenosis, and intraductal papilloma. SRCA may be a predictor of which benign breast lesions are in fact premalignant.