Influence of hormonal status of patients with cystic disease on the composition of cyst fluid and breast cancer risk

The relationship between the composition of breast cyst fluid (BCF), the me nstrual status and in addition some endocrine events in the history of pati ents (n=131) with gross cystic breast disease was investigated. The dehydro epiandrosterone (DHA) levels in type II (K+/Na+<1) cysts of the follicular group were significantly higher compared to the type II cysts of the luteal or postmenopausal groups. For testosterone a significant difference existe d between the type I (K+/Na+<greater than or equal to>1) follicular and typ e I postmenopausal groups. Estrone levels were significantly higher in type I BCF of patients in the luteal phase compared to both the follicular and postmenopausal type I cysts. Progesterone levels were lowest in the postmen opausal subgroups (both in type I and II cyst). Significant correlations we re found between the number of pregnancies and the levels of DHA-sulfate an d also progesterone in BCF DHA levels were correlated with the period of la ctation. The K+/Na+ ratios were the lowest in women who lactated for the lo ngest period The estrone was lowest in BCF of current oral contraceptive (o .c.) users while the estradiol was lowest in patients who had never used o. c. A history of previous o.c. use was associated with a significantly high mean DHA level. A significantly higher DHA and lower testosterone level wer e demonstrated in BCF of patients who had some previous gynecological inter ventions. The composition of BCF and the "life of cysts" and thus the rate of breast cancer risk may depend on hormonal status during the menstrual cy cles or postmenopause and also on endocrine history of patients.