ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the characteristics and clinicopathologic significance of microlymphatic vessel in breast cancer.Methods The microlymphatic density(MLD)and lymphatic vessel invasion(LVI)in 102 cases of breast cancer tissue were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining,using monoclonal antibody for podo- planin.The characteristic of microlymphatic vessel and the relationship between MLD,LVI and clinicopathological parameters were evaluated.And blood vessels were also detected with CD34 by double-labeling immunohistochemis- try for confirming the specificity of podoplanin for microlymphatic vascular.Results Podoplanin antibody was spe- cific for lymphatic vessel without intersection with blood vessel.The density and morphology of microlymphatic ves- sel in breast cancer had significant heterogeneity.The MLD in breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissues.The microlymphatic vessel that in breast cancer tissues indicated by a more irregular shape and a larger open lumen,and some cancer embolus entering the open microlymphatic vessel could be seen. MLD was significantly correlated with LVI(P