Microscopic foci of CaP and HGPIN can be documented in CM males from the 3rd decade of life onwards. The lesions become more frequent and extensive as age increases. The prevalence of both lesions seems to be significantly lower in the CM population than in CA and AA males in all the age groups evaluated.

The results of this study reveal substantial changes in the expression profile of thyroid hormone receptors suggesting a possible deregulation that could trigger breast cancer development.

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In the present studies, the concentrations (mammary tissue and plasma) of estrone (E 1 ), estradiol (E 2 ) and their sulfates (E 1 S and E 2 S), as well as the sulfatase and aromatase activities, were evaluated in patients with breast fibroadenomas. Comparative studies of the evaluation of these parameters were carried out in: (A) tumor tissue, (B) areas surrounding the tumor and (C) areas distant from the tumor (glandular tissue) considered as normal tissue. The concentrations in the tumor tissue (in pmol/g tissue) of E 1 , E 2 and E 1 S were significantly higher (2-3 times) than in the area of the breast considered as normal. Sulfatase and aromatase activities were found in the breast fibroadenoma tissue. Sulfatase activity was much higher than aromatase (30-150 times) and sulfatase levels were significantly higher in the fibroadenoma tissue than in the area considered as normal. Plasma evaluation of E 1 , E 2 , E 1 S and E 2 S concentrations showed no significant differences in relation to those of healthy control women. In conclusion, the high levels of estrogens and their sulfates, as well as the enzymes involved in estrogen formationsulfatase and aromatase in breast fibroadenoma-contribute to the hypothesis that this disease may be hormonedependent. Int.