CONTRACEPTIVE SURGERY AND BREAST-TUMORS IN MICE

The effect of contraceptive surgical manipulations on mammary gland ch anges was investigated in mice models. Total hysterectomy with bilater al adnexectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, unilateral tubal ligation an d moderate uterine compression were performed in various subgroups of 500 mice. Mammary gland tumors (adenomas, adenocarcinomas, squamous ce ll carcinomas) were observed in an average of 50% (between 20 and 66%) of the operated animals about 6 months after surgery, while the contr ols remained free of tumors. Surgical interference with the reproducti ve capacity seems to have an effect on the mammary glands, inducing ne oplastic changes. The relationship of our results to the influence of contraceptive procedures on the appearance of mammary gland tumors in women is discussed.