Three adult cases of secretory carcinoma of the breast were studied by both light and electron microscopy. Histologically the tumors revealed three patterns, namely, solid, microcystic and ductal. Ultrastructurally the tumor cells contained large numbers of membrane-bound intracytoplasmic secretory vacuoles. In addition, numerous intracytoplasmic as well as intercellular lumina containing abundant secretory material were noted. Secretory carcinoma in adults is rare with only twenty cases reported previously in the literature. It is known to have a better prognosis than the usual ductal carcinoma. The most appropriate treatment appears to be an extended simple mastectomy.
PREVIOUS reports have indicated that anterior pituitary hormone preparations can be labeled with radioactive isotopes (Sonenberg, Keston and Money, 1950 and 1951). In these earlier studies, hormone preparations with adrenocorticotropic activity were labeled with traces of radioactive iodine, I131. Preparations labeled in this manner were then used to investigate the localization of radioactivity after being administered to rats. The technique of trace labeling proteins has been extended to other preparations containing pituitary hormones. This report presents the results of studies with prolactin preparations labeled with radioactive iodine.
Retrospective review of bladder carcinoma at this institution has revealed a high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma associated with bilharzia infection as has been found in other Mideast and African countries. Associated inflammatory and epithelial metaplastic changes were commonly noted and apparently represent early changes in the development of carcinoma, particularly in view of the progression from squamous metaplasia to in situ and infiltrating carcinoma observed in both bladder and ureter. The relationship between bilharzia infection and the development of bladder carcinoma has been postulated to be related to several factors; however, as yet the specific etiologic relationship and pathogenesis have not been defined.
THE comparative approach to the study of thyroid function, as illustrated by the studies of Gorbman (1), Gudernatsch (2) and Payne (3) on lower vertebrates, has been profitable. Another type of comparative approach has been made, chiefly by Baumann (4), by studying the ability of the thyroid to accumulate various members of the halogen group of elements. This work dates from the fundamental demonstration by Baumann that the thyroid is capable of concentrating iodine. The introduction of radioisotopes of iodine in the investigation of thyroid function by Hertz, Roberts and Evans (5) and Hamilton, Soley and Eichorn (6) has helped to advance these studies. Likewise, the utilization of radioisotopes of fluorine and bromine (Perlman (7), Wallace (8)) advanced the study of thyroid function concerning these halogens (Table 1). Following the discovery of Element 85 (astatine) by Corson, MacKenzie and Segre in 1940 (9), it is not surprising that the ability of the thyroid to accumulate this newest and heaviest radiohalogen would be tested. Indeed, Hamilton (10, 11, 12), utilizing astatine211, a 7.5-hour alpha particle and x-ray emitter, demonstrated the accumulation of astatine in the thyroid gland of the guinea pig, rat, monkey and man. Hamilton further showed that the thyroid apparently accumulates astatine in a manner similar to the accumulation of I131, although at a reduced rate, and that excessive amounts of iodide would depress the accumulation of astatine, whereas exogeneous TSH would increase the accumulation of astatine. Hamilton also presented data from extensive studies on the tissue distribution of astatine and the radiation effects resulting from its alpha particles. In addition, Pickering and Fisher (13) attempted radiothyroidectomy with astatine in rhesus monkeys without success.
