Sarcoma of the breast: a study of malignant mesenchymal neoplasia

Mammary sarcoma is a very rare tumour and few large series have been reported - most are reviews of reported cases. The cases available for my own study, collected over many years, are exceptional in their number, over 100, and in their varied structure. This thesis is an account of the histological study of these cases. It demonstrates the manner in which the normal progeny of primitive mesenchyme have their counterpart in the malignant tumours which arise and that, in any given tumour, a variety of cell types is frequently observed.In many cases, it has been possible to trace the transition of the benign precursor, the simple fibroadenoma, to the frankly malignant sarcoma, a feature more readily demonstrated in cases where whole breast sections were available. The variety of metaplastic development was a surprising finding and is amply illustrated in the cases described.In rare cases, the malignant change in the fibroadenoma was found in the epithelial component. A few cases in which neoplastic transformation occurred in both elements are also described. Limited comparison with similar growth in other tissues or organs, is also included.Where possible, the clinical and pathological findings are correlated