Possible host resistance in carcinoma of the breast: A histological study

Abstract

A method of grading breast carcinoma, based upon the histological appearance of the tumour and the host defence reaction to it, is presented. This grading is shown to correlate closely with prognosis. The relationship of this grading to clinical staging, nodal metastasis, age, menopausal status, and to prognosis is discussed. The possible effect of irradiation upon a host defence reaction, which is manifested by histological appearances known to be associated with immunological reactions, is discussed. The evidence presented supports the hypothesis that the prognosis of a patient with carcinoma of the breast is dependent on the host’s reaction to the tumour as well as the grade of malignancy of the tumour. © 1968, The British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research. All rights reserved.