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 menstrual status and in addition some endocrine events in the history of patients (n = 131) with gross cystic breast disease was investigated. The dehydroepiandrosterone (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 existed between the type I (K+/Na+ > or = 1) follicular and type 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 postmenopausal subgroups (both in type I and II cyst). Significant correlations were found between the number of pregnancies and the levels of DHA-sulfate and also progesterone in BCF. DHA levels were correlated with the period of lactation. The K+/Na+ ratios were the lowest in women who lactated for the longest 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 were demonstrated in BCF of patients who had some previous gynecological interventions. 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 cycles or postmenopause and also on endocrine history of patients.