Mast cells and the nodal sinus reaction in breast cancer

Abstract

Mast cell counts in the sinuses if axillary nodes from breast cancer patients varied with the type of sinus reaction present. Few scattered mast cells were found in association with sinus histiocytosis. A mixed reaction, in which fewer histiocytes were present with more round cells, was accompanied by a significant increase in mast cell count, which in sinus catarrh showed a decrease. The possible role of sinus mast cells in relation to tumor spread is discussed.