Morphologic Features of Mammary Carcinomas in Women Taking Hormonal Contraceptives

Carcinomas of the breast in three women taking hormonal contraceptives had both lobular and ductal components, secretory activity, and conspicuous mucopolysaccharides in the stroma of the involved lobules and around the neoplastic ducts. The lesions were pleomorphic and diffuse and contained abundant lymphocytic infiltration. As several million women are using hormonal contraceptives, the coincidental occurrence of carcinomas of the breast should not be surprising. Our observations, however, suggest a variable target organ responsiveness to hormonal stimulation. It is of interest to determine whether a distinctive or even suggestive pattern of mammary carcinoma is associated with hormonal contraceptive use, and more importantly, whether this therapy may, in some instances, alter the evolution of the disease. In view of the possible stimulating effect of estrogens and progestins on the growth of some mammary neoplasms, caution would appear indicated when prescribing such therapy, particularly for patients who may be especially susceptible to developing mammary carcinomas.