Study of microvascular density in carcinoma of breast

: Angiogenesis, which is the creation of fresh vascular systems from existing blood vessels, is essential for cancer cells to obtain necessary nutrients, and oxygen, and eliminate waste. This process significantly contributes to the progression and spread of breast cancer. Evaluating microvascular density (MVD) is commonly used to measure angiogenesis within breast tumours. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 breast cancer cases for five years from July 2017 to June 2022 at the Department of Pathology RIMS, in collaboration with the Department of Surgery, RIMS. Tissue samples were processed, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and then subjected to Immunohistochemical stain CD34. The analysis of the results was done using Spss version 21. The study revealed that higher microvessel counts were linked to older patients (above 50 years old), histological grades I to III, lymph node metastasis, and estrogen receptor-negative tumours. However, microvascular density was found to be unrelated to tumour size, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion, and morphological types. Hence we concluded that increased microvascular density (MVD) could be connected with increased aggressiveness of tumours, leading to a higher risk of metastasis and decreased survival rates. Various tumour and host factors have been identified as useful in predicting the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence and mortality post-primary surgery. Additionally, the quantitative assessment of microvessel density may not only have prognostic value but also aid in predicting responses to anti-angiogenic medications.