24-HOUR PREOPERATIVE ENDOCRINE PROFILES IN WOMEN WITH BENIGN AND MALIGNANT BREAST DISEASE

Abstract

Mean 24 h growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol and progesterone concentrations determined preoperatively in 16 women with benign breast masses and 17 patients with breast cancer were similar to those levels found in 25 age- and weight-matched control subjects. Mean 24 h testosterone levels were significantly elevated in women with breast cancer evaluated in the luteal phase of their cycles and were normal in postmenopausal breast cancer women. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were normal in these subjects. Plasma cortisols and urinary 17-hydroxysteroid excretion tended to be higher in the benign and malignant breast disease group and probably reflected preoperative anxiety. Normal concentrations of a variety of endocrine and other biochemical agents that can stimulate breast tissue growth and/or were previously reported to be disordered were found in women with breast cancer.