Expression and clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor in benign and malignant tissues of breast

To detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) count in breast benign affection, breast atypical hyperplasia and breast carcinoma in situ , and to clarify the relationship between VEGF expression, MVD and the clinicopathological features of these diseases. The expression of VEGF and MVD count in 115 cases breast benign diseases (including 40 breast fibroid tumor, 40 breast cystic hyperplasia and 35 intraductal papilloma, 19 breast atypical hyperplasias and 32 breast carcinomas in situ were examined by immunohistochemistry staining (SP-method). The positive rate of VEGF in breast benign diseases, breast atypical hyperplasia and breast carcinoma in situ were 21.74%(25/115)、 31.58.% (6/19)and 53.13%(17/32) respectively. It was the lowest in breast benign affection group, and was the highest breast carcinoma in situ group. The expression of VEGF increased gradually in the three groups ( P <0.05). The MVD count of the three groups were 14.41±2.59, 18.89±4.47 and 21.13±4.12 respectively, It was the lowest in breast benign affection group, and was the highest breast carcinoma in situ group. The MVD count of the three groups increased gradually ( P <0.05). In VEGF positive group, MVD count was 19.41±4.78; In VEGF negative group, MVD count was 14.91±3.15. The MVD count was higher in VEGF positive group than that in VEGF negative group ( P <0.05). The results of this study suggested that VEGF could promote microvessel growth in breast tumors. The occurrence and progression of breast cancer might be related with the expression of VEGF.