Abstract

AIM: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is regarded as the precursor of invasive breast carcinoma. In this study we investigated the use of image analysis system which has provided an objective and reproducible evaluation of the tumors biological behavior. Also two methods of image analysis system, celi suspension and paraffin embedded tissue sections were compared. MATERIAL-METHODS: Formaline-fixed paraffin embedded tissues and their cell suspensions of the 40 cases were evaluated by the image analysis system. 10 parameters related to dansitometric, morhometric, textural characteristics and DNA ploidy were computed for each case. We classified these cases by Van Nuys Classification, a different prognostic classification system. RESULTS: There was no significant relation between Van Nuys group 1, 2, 3 and DNA ploidy (p>0,05), but area, perimeter, diameter, bend energy values of group 3 were statistically different from group 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: It has been objectively shown that DCIS with comedo-type necrosis and high nuclear grade has different properties than the other types. There was no differentiation between DNA ploidy and axillary metastasis. It may explain the recurrences in the cases with no axillary metastasis. We also concluded that both methods can be used for image analysis.