ANDROGEN CONJUGATES IN HUMAN-BREAST CYST FLUIDS

Abstract

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) was measured by radioimmunoassay in 100 breast cyst fluids obtained from 82 women. Values ranged from 1.5-1155 .mu.M with a median of 140 .mu.M. These concentrations are in excess of those for plasma but are comparable or less than values for breast secretions obtained by nipple aspiration. Levels of DHAS in cyst fluid were not significantly affected by age, menopausal status or parity of the subject or by the volume of cyst fluid obtained. In patients with multiple cysts, DHAS values from cysts aspirated from the same breast on the same date were relatively comparable, but wide variations were frequently observed between cysts aspirated on different occasions from the same breast and between cysts from different breasts of the same patient, whether sampled simultaneously or sequentially. Such variability must complicate comparative studies among women. The relationship between hormone levels and the risk of breast cancer is implied.