Following the discovery of mast cells (or mastzellen) by the prolific physician researcher, Paul Ehrlich, many advances have improved our understanding of these cells and their fascinating biology. The discovery of immunoglobulin E and receptors for IgE and IgG on mast cells heralded further in vivo and in vitro studies, using molecular technologies and gene knockout models. Mast cells express an array of inflammatory mediators including tryptase, histamine, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. They play a role in many varying disease states, from atopic diseases, parasitic infections, hematological malignancies, and arthritis to osteoporosis. This review will attempt to summarize salient evolving areas in mast cell research over the last few centuries that have led to our current understanding of this pivotal multifunctional cell.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast is a rare tumour, accounting for less than 0.1% of all breast carcinomas. Unlike other localizations, it is a malignant tumour that grows slowly when located in the breast. We report two cases involving a 45-year-old and a 46-year-old woman, presenting with a mammary nodule of the breast measuring 1.5 and 2.5 cm respectively. Ultrasonography showed a fairly well defined tumour with a cystic component in the first case and an irregular tumour in the second case. The histological examination resulted in a diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma, confirmed by the immunohistochemical study. The first patient was treated with radiotherapy and the second underwent a mastectomy, lymph node dissection and radiotherapy. The outcome was good in both cases, after three years and one year respectively. The aim of our study is to describe the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and prognosis of this rare type of breast tumour.
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