Detection of Mucin and its Types and Intensity in non Mucinous Breast Carcinoma in Khartoum State

Abstract

This a retrospective comparative study conducted in Khartoum state during the period of March to July 2012, the study aimed to detect the presence of mucin and its types and intensity in non mucinous breast carcinoma compared to benign neoplasms using histochimical stain, combined PAS- alcian blue in different pH. One hundred blocks previously diagnosed as non mucinous breast carcinoma and other 100 of benign neoplasms were taken from different hospitals in Khartoum state (Laboratory Administration histopathology department, Radioisotope Centre Khartoum, Suba University Hospital and Omderman Hospital). The sections were cut using rotary microtome, then stained and examined using light microscope. Mucin was detected in both types of neoplasms, with an increased ratio of acidic types mainly the sulphated one, which constituted 65% in benign and 93% in malignant, carboxylated mucin was detected in 50% of benign and 72% in malignant while neutral mucin was detected in benign more than malignant which constituted 30% and 23% respectively. According to the intensity of mucin all benign neoplasms showed few intensity of both neutral and acidic mucin, while all the degrees of intensity were seen in malignant neoplasms( few, moderate and heavy) for acidic mucin and only few intensity for neutral mucin. The study conclude that growing neoplasms are characterized by an elevated content of mucins compared with their tissue of origin, there for the study recommend taking mucins more in consideration for the histological findings of tumors and as adjuvant tool.